I should as soon think of contradicting a bishop

I hope I shall never be deterred from detecting what I think a cheat, by the menaces of a ruffian.

Hoc age ['do this'] is the great rule, whether you are serious or merry; whether ... learning science or duty from a folio, or floating on the Thames. Intentions must be gathered from acts.

We go from anticipation to anticipation, not from satisfaction to satisfaction.

To wipe all tears from off all faces is a task too hard for mortals; but to alleviate misfortunes is often within the most limited power: yet the opportunities which every day affords of relieving the most wretched of human beings are overlooked and neglected with equal disregard of policy and goodness.

There are in every age new errors to be rectified and new prejudices to be opposed.

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