He that would live clear of envy must lay his finger on his mouth, and keep his hand out of the ink-pot.

It is a way of calling a man a fool when no attention is given to what he says.

There is no opposing brutal force to the stratagems of human reason.

It is not the place, nor the condition, but the mind alone that can make anyone happy or miserable.

Pretences go a great way with men that take fair words and magisterial looks for current payment.

To be longing for this thing to-day and for that thing to-morrow; to change likings for loathings, and to stand wishing and hankering at a venture--how is it possible for any man to be at rest in this fluctuant, wandering humor and opinion?

The devil helps his servants for a season; but when they get into a pinch; he leaves them in the lurch.