Affectation naturally counterfeits those excellences which are placed at the greatest distance from possibility of attainment, because, knowing our own defects, we eagerly endeavor to supply them with artificial excellence.

Lectures were once useful; but now when all can read, and books are so numerous, lectures are unnecessary.

While an author is yet living, we estimate his powers by his worst performance; and when he is dead, we rate him by his best.

Reproof should not exhaust its power upon petty failings.

Applause abates diligence.

To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.

Exert your talents, and distinguish yourself, and don't think of retiring from the world, until the world will be sorry that you retire.