A departure from the truth was hardly ever known to be a single one.

Those who doubt themselves most generally err least.

The Nature of Familiar Letters, written, as it were, to the Moment, while the Heart is agitated by Hopes and Fears, on Events undecided, must plead an Excuse for the Bulk of a Collection of this Kind. Mere Facts and Characters might be comprised in a much smaller Compass: But, would they be equally interesting?

A fop takes great pains to hang out a sign, by his dress, of what he has within.

Calamity is the test of integrity.

It is a happy art to know when one has said enough. I would leave my hearers wishing me to say more rather than give them cause toshow, by their inattention, that I had said too much.

The person who will bear much shall have much to bear, all the world through.