Every government is perpetually degenerating towards corruption, from which it must be rescued at certain periods by the resuscitation of its first principles, and the re-establishment of its original constitution.

He to whom many objects of pursuit arise at the same time, will frequently hesitate between different desires till a rival has precluded him, or change his course as new attractions prevail, and harass himself without advancing.

Extended empires are like expanded gold, exchanging solid strength for feeble splendor.

A few men are sufficient to broach falsehoods, which are afterwards innocently diffused by successive relaters.

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

Every man's affairs, however little, are important to himself.

When a man feel the reprehension of a friend seconded by his own heart, he is easily heated into resentment.