Surely nothing is more reproachful to a being endowed with reason, than to resign its powers to the influence of the air, and live in dependence on the weather and the wind, for the only blessings which nature has put into our power, tranquillity and benevolence. To look up to the sky for the nutriment of our bodies, is the condition of nature; to call upon the sun for peace and gaiety, or deprecate the clouds lest sorrow should overwhelm us, is the cowardice of idleness, and the idolatry of folly.

I would consent to have a limb amputated to recover my spirits

No man tells his opinion so freely as when he imagines it received with implicit veneration.

A writer only begins a book. A reader finishes it.

A successful author is equally in danger of the diminution of his fame, whether he continues or ceases to write. The regard of the public is not to be kept but by tribute, and the remembrance of past service will quickly languish unless successive performances frequently revive it. Yet in every new attempt there is new hazard, and there are few who do not, at some unlucky time, injure their own characters by attempting to enlarge them.

Lawful and settled authority is very seldom resisted when it is well employed.

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