In discussing these exceptions from the course of nature, the first question is, whether the fact be justly stated. That which is strange is delightful, and a pleasing error is not willingly detected.

The work of a correct and regular writer is a garden accurately formed and diligently planted, varied with shades, and scented with flowers.

Many a man is mad in certain instances, and goes through life without having it perceived. For example, a madness has seized a person of supposing himself obliged literally to pray continually; had the madness turned the opposite way, and the person thought it a crime ever to pray, it might not improbably have continued unobserved.

Mutual complacency is the atmosphere of conjugal love.

It is certain that success naturally confirms in us a favourable opinion of our own abilities. Scarce any man is willing to allot to accident, friendship, and a thousand causes, which concur in every event without human contrivance or interposition, the part which they may justly claim in his advancement. We rate ourselves by our fortune rather than our virtues, and exorbitant claims are quickly produced by imaginary merit.

As the mind must govern the hands, so in every society the man of intelligence must direct the man of labor.

Sir, they are a race of convicts, and ought to be thankful for any thing we allow them short of hanging.