The first class of readers may be compared to an hour-glass, their reading being as the sand; it runs in and runs out, and leaves not a vestige behind. A second class resembles a sponge, which imbibes everything, and returns it in nearly the same state, only a little dirtier. A third class is like a jelly-bag, which allows all that is pure to pass away, and retains only the refuse and dregs. The fourth class may be compared to the slave of Golconda, who, casting aside all that is worthless, preserves only the pure gems.

How like herrings and onions our vices are in the morning after we have committed them.

If a man is not rising upward to be an angel, depend on it, he is sinking downward to be a devil.

The words in prose ought to express the intended meaning, and no more; if they attract attention to themselves, it is, in general, a fault.

The first man of science was he who looked into a thing, not to learn whether it furnished him with food, or shelter, or weapons, or tools, armaments, or playwiths but who sought to know it for the gratification of knowing.

It would not be correct to say that every moral obligation involves a legal duty; but every legal duty is founded on a moral obligation.

I look'd to Heav'n, and try'd to pray; But or ever a prayer had gusht, A wicked whisper came and made My heart as dry as dust.