Logicians may reason about abstractions. But the great mass of men must have images. The strong tendency of the multitude in all ages and nations to idolatry can be explained on no other principle.

Our estimate of a character always depends much on the manner in which that character affects our own interests and passions.

A history in which every particular incident may be true may on the whole be false.

It is the age that forms the man, not the man that forms the age.

The highest eulogy which can be pronounced on the Revolution of 1688 is this that this was our last Revolution.

In perseverance, in self command, in forethought, in all virtues which conduce to success in life, the Scots have never been surpassed.

Office of itself does much to equalize politicians. It by no means brings all characters to a level; but it does bring high characters down and low characters up towards a common standard.