Evil is uncertain in the same degree as good, and for the reason that we ought not to hope too securely, we ought not to fear with to much dejection.

I do not envy a clergyman's life as an easy life, nor do I envy the clergyman who makes it an easy life.

I am sorry I have not learnt to play at cards. It is very useful in life: it generates kindness, and consolidates society.

Too much vigor in the beginning of an undertaking often intercepts and prevents the steadiness and perseverance always necessary in the conduct of a complicated scheme.

The liberty of using harmless pleasure will not be disputed; but it is still to be examined what pleasures are harmless.

Disappointment, when it involves neither shame nor loss, is as good as success; for it supplies as many images to the mind, and as many topics to the tongue.

The disturbers of our happiness, in this world, are our desires, our griefs, and our fears.