Peevishness may be considered the canker of life, that destroys its vigor and checks its improvement; that creeps on with hourly depredations, and taints and vitiates what it cannot consume.

It is a common error, and the greater and more mischievous for being so common, to believe that repentance best becomes and most concerns dying men. Indeed, what is necessary every hour of our life is necessary in the hour of death too, and as long as one lives he will have need of repentance, and therefore it is necessary in the hour of death too; but he who hath constantly exercised himself in it in his health and vigor, will do it with less pain in his sickness and weakness; and he who hath practiced it all his life, will do it with more ease and less perplexity in the hour of his death.

Few men survey themselves with so much severity as not to admit prejudices in their own favor.

It is common to overlook what is near by keeping the eye fixed on something remote.

Madam, before you flatter a man so grossly to his face, you should consider whether or not your flattery is worth his having.

Ignorance, madam, pure ignorance.

Wit will never make a man rich, but there are places where riches will always make a wit.