Spite and ill-nature are among the most expensive luxuries in life.

It is unpleasing to represent our affairs to our own disadvantage; yet it is necessary to shew the evils which we desire to be removed.

He that shall peruse the political pamphlets of any past reign will wonder why they were so eagerly read, or so loudly praised.

Religion informs us that misery and sin were produced together. The depravation of human will was followed by a disorder of the harmony of nature; and by that Providence which often places antidotes in the neighborhood of poisons, vice was checked by misery, lest it should swell to universal and unlimited dominion.

But to the particular species of excellence men are directed, not by an ascendant planet or predominating humour, but by the first book which they read, some early conversation which they heard, or some accident which excited ardour and emulation.

By forbearing to do what may innocently be done, we may add hourly new vigor to resolution.

Were it not for imagination a man would be as happy in the arms of a chambermaid as of a duchess.