It is true that of far the greater part of things, we must content ourselves with such knowledge as description may exhibit, or analogy supply; but it is true likewise, that these ideas are always incomplete, and that at least, till we have compared them with realities, we do not know them to be just. As we see more, we become possessed of more certainties, and consequently gain more principles of reasoning, and found a wider base of analogy.

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.

Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.

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

Life is barren enough surely with all her trappings; let us be therefore cautious of how we strip her.

Though the wisdom or virtue of one can very rarely make many happy, the folly or vice of one man often make many miserable.

The power of punishment is to silence, not to confute.