From all our observations we may collect with certainty, that misery is the lot of man, but cannot discover in what particular condition it will find most alleviations.

It is observed of gold, by an old epigrammatist, that to have it is to be in fear, and to want it is to be in sorrow.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent.

Power is gradually stealing away from the many to the few, because the few are more vigilant and consistent.

How small of all that human hearts endure/That part which laws or kings can cause or cure.

Combinations of wickedness would overwhelm the world, by the advantage which licentious principles afford, did not those who have long practised perfidy grow faithless to each other.

People may be taken in once, who imagine that an author is greater in private life than other men.