He that is already corrupt is naturally suspicious, and he that becomes suspicious will quickly become corrupt.

Peevishness may be considered the canker of life, that destroys its vigor and checks its improvement; that creeps on with hourly depredations, and taints and vitiates what it cannot consume.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.

The world is not yet exhausted: let me see something tomorrow which I never saw before.

Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only riches she can call her own.

Every man who attacks my belief, diminishes in some degree my confidence in it, and therefore makes me uneasy; and I am angry with him who makes me uneasy.

It seems to be remarkable that death increases our veneration for the good, and extenuates our hatred for the bad.