It has been a sort of maxim, that the greatest art is to conceal art; but I know not how, among some people we meet with, their greatest cunning is to appear cunning.

It is an endless and frivolous Pursuit to act by any other Rule than the Care of satisfying our own Minds in what we do

It is the duty of a great person so to demean himself, as that whatever endowments he may have, he may appear to value himself upon no qualities but such as any man may arrive at.

Many take pleasure in spreading abroad the weakness of an exalted character.

There is no Pleasure like that of receiving Praise from the Praiseworthy

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.

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