By the consultation of books, whether of dead or living authors, many temptations to petulance and opposition, which occur in oral conferences, are avoided. An author cannot obtrude his service unasked, nor can be often suspected of any malignant intention to insult his readers with his knowledge or his wit. Yet so prevalent is the habit of comparing ourselves with others, while they remain within the reach of our passions, that books are seldom read with complete impartiality, but by those from whom the writer is placed at such a distance that his life or death is indifferent.

The noblest prospect which a Scotchman ever sees is the high road that leads him to England.

A man may be very sincere in good principles, without having good practice.

There is in this world no real delight (excepting those of sensuality), but exchange of ideas in conversation.

Employment and hardships prevent melancholy.

He that pines with hunger, is in little care how others shall be fed. The poor man is seldom studious to make his grandson rich.

To revenge reasonable incredulity by refusing evidence, is a degree of insolence with which the world is not yet acquainted; and stubborn audacity is the last refuge of guilt.