This man [Chesterfield], I thought, had been a Lord among wits; but I find he is only a wit among Lords.

If I have said something to hurt a man once, I shall not get the better of this by saying many things to please him.

Curiosity is one of the most permanent and certain characteristics of a vigorous intellect.

Nay, Sir, those who write in them, write well, in order to be paid well.

A man who is good enough to go to heaven is good enough to be a clergyman.

Timidity is a disease of the mind, obstinate and fatal; for a man once persuaded that any impediment is insuperable has given it, with respect to himself, that strength and weight which it had not before.

Excise: A hateful tax levied upon commodities, and adjudged not by the common judges of property, but wretches hired by those to whom excise is paid.