To write is, indeed, no unpleasing employment, when one sentiment readily produces another, and both ideas and expressions present themselves at the first summons; but such happiness, the greatest genius does not always obtain; and common writers know it only to such a degree, as to credit its possibility. Composition is, for the most part, an effort of slow diligence and steady perseverance, to which the mind is dragged by necessity or resolution, and from which the attention is every moment starting to more delightful amusements.

Every human being whose mind is not debauched, will be willing to give all that he has to get knowledge.

There is, indeed, nothing that so much seduces reason from vigilance, as the thought of passing life with an amiable woman.

Being in a ship is being in a jail, with the chance of being drowned.

In all evils which admit a remedy, impatience is to be avoided, because it wastes that time and attention in complaints, that, if properly applied might remove the cause.

Those who do not feel pain seldom think that it is felt.

To have the management of the mind is a great art, and it may be attained in a considerable degree by experience and habitual exercise.