The excellence of aphorisms consists not so much in the expression of some rare or abstruse sentiment, as in the comprehension of some useful truth in a few words.

An epithet or metaphor drawn from nature ennobles art; an epithet or metaphor drawn from art degrades nature.

The king who makes war on his enemies tenderly distresses his subjects most cruelly.

So willing is every man to flatter himself, that the difference between approving laws, and obeying them, is frequently forgotten; he that acknowledges the obligations of morality and pleases his vanity with enforcing them to others, concludes himself zealous in the cause of virtue.

What we read with inclination makes a much stronger impression. If we read without inclination, half the mind is employed in fixing the attention; so there is but one half to be employed on what we read.

Christianity is the highest perfection of humanity.

Of the blessings set before you make your choice, and be content.