Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.

Confidence is a plant of slow growth; especially in an aged bosom

I have already enjoyed too much; give me something to desire.

The safe and general antidote against sorrow is employment.

In all pleasures hope is a considerable part.

He that pines with hunger, is in little care how others shall be fed. The poor man is seldom studious to make his grandson rich.

If a man is in doubt whether it would be better for him to expose himself to martyrdom or not, he should not do it. He must be convinced that he has a delegation from heaven.