It is necessary to the success of flattery, that it be accommodated to particular circumstances or characters, and enter the heart on that side where the passions are ready to receive it.

Instead of rating the man by his performances, we rate too frequently the performances by the man.

I soon found that wit, like every other power, has its boundaries; that its success depends upon the aptitude of others to receive impressions; and that as some bodies, indissoluble by heat, can set the furnace and crucible at defiance, there are min

Most vices may be committed very genteelly: a man may debauch his friend's wife genteelly: he may cheat at cards genteelly

How few of his friends' houses would a man choose to be at when he is sick.

Where secrecy or mystery begins, vice or roguery is not far off.

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