There may be other reasons for a man's not speaking in publick than want of resolution: he may have nothing to say.

When I first collected these authorities, I was desirous that every quotation should be useful to some other end than the illustration of a word; I therefore extracted from philosophers principles of science; from historians remarkable facts; from chymists complete processes; from divines striking exhortations; and from poets beautiful descriptions.

He that would travel for the entertainment of others should remember that the great object of remark is human life.

Never speak of a man in his own presence. It is always indelicate, and may be offensive .

People have now a-days got a strange opinion that every thing should be taught by lectures. Now, I cannot see that lectures can do as much good as reading the books from which the lectures are taken.

It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives. The act of dying is not of importance, it lasts so short a time.

People seldom read a book which is given to them; and few are given. The way to spread a work is to sell it at a low price. No man will send to buy a thing that costs even sixpence without an intention to read it.