There should be a stated day for commemorating the birthday of our Savior, because there is danger that what may be done on any day, will be neglected.

It is indeed certain, that whoever attempts any common topick, will find unexpected coincidences of his thoughts with those of other writers; nor can the nicest judgment always distinguish accidental similitude from artful imitation.

He that shall peruse the political pamphlets of any past reign will wonder why they were so eagerly read, or so loudly praised.

As long as one lives he will have need of repentance.

We may have many acquaintances, but we can have but few friends; this made Aristotle say that he that hath many friends hath none.

It is commonly supposed that the uniformity of a studious life affords no matter for narration: but the truth is, that of the most studious life a great part passes without study. An author partakes of the common condition of humanity; he is born and married like another man; he has hopes and fears, expectations and disappointments, griefs and joys, and friends and enemies, like a courtier or a statesman; nor can I conceive why his affairs shuld not excite curiosity as much as the whisper of a drawing-room, or the factions of a camp.

It is astonishing that any man can forbear enquiring seriously whether there is a God; whether God is just; whether this life is the only state of existence.