Don't spend your money till you have it.

It is a principle that the right to a thing gives a right to the means without which it could not be used, that is to say, that the means follow their end.

We should talk over the lessons of the day, or lose them in Music, Chess, or the merriments of our family companions.

Resort is had to ridicule only when reason is against us.

In short I must confide in you to take such care of the men under you as an economical householder would of his own family, doingevery thing within himself as far as he can, and calling for as few supplies as possible. The less you depend for supplies from this quarter, the less you will be disappointed.

I have always said that a studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better fathers, and better husbands.

I leave to others the sublime delights of riding in the storm, better pleased with sound sleep & a warmer berth below it encircled, with the society of neighbors, friends & fellow laborers of the earth rather than with spies & sycophants ... I have no ambition to govern men. It is a painful and thankless office.