Pain and disease awaken us to convictions which are necessary to our moral condition.

Differences, we know, are never so effectually laid asleep as by some common calamity; an enemy unites all to whom he threatens danger.

The gratification of curiosity rather frees us from uneasiness than confers pleasure; we are more pained by ignorance than delighted by instruction. Curiosity is the thirst of the soul; it inflames and torments us, and makes us taste every thing with joy, however otherwise insipid, by which it may be quenched.

A Scotchman must be a very sturdy moralist who does not love Scotland better than truth.

Every man has a lurking wish to appear considerable in his native place.

Some desire is necessary to keep life in motion, and he whose real wants are supplied must admit those of fancy.

Dishonor waits on perfidy. A man should blush to think a falsehood; it is the crime of cowards.