Where there is no difficulty there is no praise.

All severity that does not tend to increase good, or prevent evil, is idle.

Whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage.

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

There are certain topicks which are never exhausted. Of some images and sentiments the mind of man may be said to be enamoured; it meets them, however often they occur, with the same ardour which a lover feels at the sight of his mistress, and parts from them with the same regret when they can no longer be enjoyed.

Some read for style, and some for argument: one has little care about the sentiment, he observes only how it is expressed; another regards not the conclusion, but is diligent to mark how it is inferred; they read for other purposes than the attainment of practical knowledge; and are no more likely to grow wise by an examination of a treatise of moral prudence, than an architect to inflame his devotion by considering attentively the proportions of a temple.

Language is the dress of thought; every time you talk your mind is on parade.