The book-keeping of benefits is simple: it is all expenditure; if any one returns it, that is clear gain; if he does not return it, it is not lost, I gave it for the sake of giving.

Those things which make the infernal regions terrible, the darkness, the prison, the river of flaming fire, the judgment seat, are all a fable, with which the poets amuse themselves, and by them agitate us with vain terrors.

The tempest threatens before it comes; houses creak before they fall.

Those who pass their lives in foreign travel find they contract many ties of hospitality, but form no friendships.

The greatest hindrance to living is expectancy, which depends upon tomorrow and wastes today

Religion worships God, while superstition profanes that worship.

He robs present ills of their power who has perceived their coming beforehand.