The wickedness of a loose or profane author is more atrocious than that of a giddy libertine or drunken ravisher, not only because it extends its effects wider, as a pestilence that taints the air is more destructive than poison infused in a draught, but because it is committed with cool deliberation.

Of many, imagined blessings it may be doubted whether he that wants or possesses them had more reason to be satisfied with his lot.

I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain.

Those authors who would find many readers, must endeavour to please while they instruct.

Riches exclude only one inconvenience,--that is, poverty.

When any calamity is suffered, the first thing to be remembered is, how much has been escaped.

Sir, what is poetry? Why, Sir, it is much easier to say what it is not. We all know what light is; but it is not easy to tell what it is.