It is indeed certain, that whoever attempts any common topick, will find unexpected coincidences of his thoughts with those of other writers; nor can the nicest judgment always distinguish accidental similitude from artful imitation.

It is generally agreed, that few men are made better by affluence or exaltation.

Whoever shall review his life, will find that the whole tenor of his conduct has been determined by some accident of no apparent moment.

The good of our present state is merely comparative, and the evil which every man feels will be sufficient to disturb and harass him if he does not know how much he escapes.

There are innumerable questions to which the inquisitive mind can in this state receive no answer: Why do you and I exist? Why was this world created? Since it was to be created, why was it not created sooner?

A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love Scotland better than truth.

It is better to suffer wrong than to do it, and happier to be sometimes cheated than not to trust.