Vulgar and inactive minds confound familiarity with knowledge, and conceive themselves informed of the whole nature of things, when they are shown their form or told their use.

Exactness is first obtained, and afterwards elegance. But diction, merely vocal, is always in its childhood. As no man leaves his eloquence behind him, the new generations have all to learn. There may possibly be books without a polished language, but there can be no polished language without books.

This is my history; like all other histories, a narrative of misery.

An age that melts in unperceiv'd decay, And glides in modest innocence away.

There must always be some advantage on one side or the other, and it is better that advantage should be had by talents than by chance.

In order that all men might be taught to speak truth, it is necessary that all likewise should learn to hear it.

I also admit, that there are some sluggish men who are improved by drinking; as there are fruits which are not good till they are rotten.