On Sir Joshua Reynolds's observing that the real character of a man was found out by his amusements. Yes, Sir, no man is a hypocrite in his pleasures.

In such a government as ours no man is appointed to an office because he is the fittest for it--nor hardly in any other government--because there are so many connections and dependencies to be studied.

The relief of enemies has a tendency to unite mankind in fraternal affection.

The love of retirement has in all ages adhered closely to those minds which have been most enlarged by knowledge, or elevated by genius. Those who enjoyed everything generally supposed to confer happiness have been forced to seek it in the shades of privacy.

No people can be great who have ceased to be virtuous.

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

The balls of sight are so formed, that one man's eyes are spectacles to another, to read his heart with.