I love to consider an Infidel, whether distinguished by the title of deist, atheist, or free-thinker, by three different lights, in his solitude, his afflictions, and his last moments.... [In these situations such people show themselves] in solitude, incapable or rapture or elevation, ... in distress, [with] a halter or a pistol the only refuge [they] can fly to, ... [and liable to conversion] at the approach of death.

The world will never be in any manner of order or tranquility until men are firmly convinced that conscience, honor and credit are all in one interest

When a man is not disposed to hear music, there is not a more disagreeable sound in harmony than that of the violin.

Nothing is more silly than the pleasure some people take in "speaking their minds." A man of this make will say a rude thing for the mere pleasure of saying it, when an opposite behavior, full as innocent, might have preserved his friend, or made his fortune.

A woman seldom writes her mind but in her postscript

You see, among men who are honored with the common appellation ogentleman, many contradictions to that character.

There are so few who can grow old with a good grace.