It is observed of gold, by an old epigrammatist, that to have it is to be in fear, and to want it is to be in sorrow.

Whosoever shall look heedfully upon those who are eminent for their riches will not think their condition such as that he should hazard his quiet, and much less his virtue, to obtain it, for all that great wealth generally gives above a moderate fortune is more room for the freaks of caprice, and more privilege for ignorance and vice, a quicker succession of flatteries, and a larger circle of voluptuousness.

To strive with difficulties, and to conquer them, is the highest human felicity; the next is, to strive, and deserve to conquer: but he whose life has passed without a contest, and who can boast neither success nor merit, can survey himself only as a useless filler of existence; ad if he is content with his own character, must owe his satisfaction to insensibility.

Knowledge is more than equivalent to force. The master of mechanics laughs at strength.

Human life is everywhere a state in which much is to be endured, and little to be enjoyed.

The natural progress of the works of men is from rudeness to convenience, from convenience to elegance, and from elegance to nicety.

He to whom many objects of pursuit arise at the same time, will frequently hesitate between different desires till a rival has precluded him, or change his course as new attractions prevail, and harass himself without advancing.