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

Repentance, however difficult to be practiced, is, if it be explained without superstition, easily understood. Repentance is the relinquishment of any practice from the conviction that it has offended God.

The happiness of building lasted but a little while, for though I love to spend, I hate to be cheated; and I soon found, that to build is to be robbed.

We often need reminding even if we do not often need educating.

A man ought to read just as inclination leads him, for what he reads as a task will do him little good.

Friendship may well deserve the sacrifice of pleasure, though not of conscience.

Advice, as it always gives a temporary appearance of superiority, can never be very grateful, even when it is most necessary or most judicious; but, for the same reason, every one is eager to instruct his neighbors.