The execution of any thing considerable implies in the first place previous persevering meditation.

In cases where every thing is understood, and measured, and reduced to rule, love is out of the question.

In a well-written book we are presented with the maturest reflections, or the happiest flights of a mind of uncommon excellence. It is impossible that we can be much accustomed to such companions without attaining some resemblance to them.

If there be such a thing as truth, it must infallibly be struck out by the collision of mind with mind.

Books gratify and excite our curiosity in innumerable ways.

There can be no passion, and by consequence no love, where there is not imagination.

The proper method for hastening the decay of error, is not, by brute force, or by regulation which is one of the classes of force, to endeavour to reduce men to intellectual uniformity; but on the contrary by teaching every man to think for himself.