It is a common error, and the greater and more mischievous for being so common, to believe that repentance best becomes and most concerns dying men. Indeed, what is necessary every hour of our life is necessary in the hour of death too, and as long as one lives he will have need of repentance, and therefore it is necessary in the hour of death too; but he who hath constantly exercised himself in it in his health and vigor, will do it with less pain in his sickness and weakness; and he who hath practiced it all his life, will do it with more ease and less perplexity in the hour of his death.

Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.

Depend upon it that if a man talks of his misfortunes there is something in them that is not disagreeable to him; for where there is nothing but pure misery there never is any recourse to the mention of it.

I had rather see the portrait of a dog that I know, than all the allegorical paintings they can show me in the world.

The only end of writing is to enable readers better to enjoy life or better to endure it.

I hope I shall never be deterred from detecting what I think a cheat, by the menaces of a ruffian.

He that accepts protection, stipulates obedience.