It may be remarked in general, that the laugh of men of wit is for the most part but a feint, constrained kind of half-laugh, as such persons are never without some diffidence about them; but that of fools is the most honest, natural, open laugh in the world.

The survivorship of a worthy man in his son is a pleasure scarce inferior to the hopes of the continuance of his own life.

Modesty never rages, never murmurs, never pouts; when it is ill-treated, it pines, it beseeches, it languishes.

The man is mechanically turned, and made for getting. . . . It was verily prettily said that we may learn the little value of fortune by the persons on whom Heaven is pleased to bestow it.

Pride destroys all symmetry and grace, and affectation is a more terrible enemy to fine faces than the small-pox.

A favor well bestowed is almost as great an honor to him who confers it as to him who receives it.

Whoever would be wise should read the Proverbs; whoever would be holy should read the Psalms.