A country is in a bad state, which is governed only by laws; because a thousand things occur for which laws cannot provide, and where authority ought to interpose.

The mental disease of the present generation is impatience of study, contempt of the great masters of ancient wisdom, and a disposition to rely wholly upon unassisted genius and natural sagacity. The wits of these happy days have discovered a way to fame, which the dull caution of our laborious ancestors durst never attempt; they cut the knots of sophistry, which it was formerly the business of years to untie, solve difficulties by sudden irradiations of intelligence, and comprehend long processes of argument by immediate intuition.

Every old man complains of the growing depravity of the world, of the petulance and insolence of the rising generation.

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.

With what hope can we endeavor to persuade the ladies that the time spent at the toilet is lost in vanity.

It is however, reasonable, to have perfection in our eye; that we may always advance towards it, though we know it never can be reached.

A decent provision for the poor is the true test of civilization.