A full-dressed ecclesiastic is a sort of go-cart of divinity; an ethical automaton. A clerical prig is, in general, a very dangerous as well as contemptible character. The utmost that those who thus habitually confound their opinions and sentiments with the outside coverings of their bodies can aspire to, is a negative and neutral character, like wax-work figures, where the dress is done as much to the life as the man, and where both are respectable pieces of pasteboard, or harmless compositions of fleecy hosiery.

The assumption of merit is easier, less embarrassing, and more effectual than the actual attainment of it.

Refinement creates beauty everywhere. It is the grossness of the spectator that discovers anything like grossness in the object.

A certain excess of animal spirits with thoughtless good-humor will often make more enemies than the most deliberate spite and ill-nature, which is on its guard, and strikes with caution and safety.

He who is as faithful to his principles as he is to himself is the true partisan.

We can bear to be deprived of everything but our self-conceit.

If you think you can win, you can win. Faith is necessary to victory.