He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.

Diffidence may check resolution and obstruct performance, but compensates its embarrassments by more important advantages; it conciliates the proud, and softens the severe; averts envy from excellence, and censure from miscarriage.

It is the care of a very great part of mankind to conceal their indigence from the rest. They support themselves by temporary expedients, and every day is lost in contriving for to-morrow.

I will take no more physick, not even my opiates; for I have prayed that I may render up my soul to God unclouded.

Hope is an amusement rather than a good, and adapted to none but very tranquil minds.

You cannot give me an instance of any man who is permitted to lay out his own time contriving not to have tedious hours.

You can never be wise unless you love reading.