The vain man makes a merit of misfortune, and triumphs in his disgrace.

We all wear some disguise, make some professions, use some artifice, to set ourselves off as being better than we are; and yet it is not denied that we have some good intentions and praiseworthy qualities at bottom.

One is always more vexed at losing a game of any sort by a single hole or ace, than if one has never had a chance of winning it.

Religion either makes men wise and virtuous, or it makes them set up false pretenses to both.

By conversing with the mighty dead, we imbibe sentiment with knowledge. We become strongly attached to those who can no longer either hurt or serve us, except through the influence which they exert over the mind. We feel the presence of that power which gives immortality to human thoughts and actions, and catch the flame of enthusiasm from all nations and ages.

Mankind are an incorrigible race. Give them but bugbears and idols -- it is all that they ask; the distinctions of right and wrong, of truth and falsehood, of good and evil, are worse than indifferent to them.

We are thankful for good-will rather than for services, for the motive than the quantum of favor received.