The whole doctrine, as well as practice of secrecy, is so perplexing and dangerous, that I think him unhappy who is chosen to be trusted.

I cannot forbear to inform you of one species of cruelty with which the life of a man of letters perhaps does not often make him acquainted.

Those sudden bursts of rage generally break out upon small occasions; for life cannot supply great evils as frequently as man thinks it fit to be enraged.

The number of correspondents which increases every day upon me, shews that my paper is at least distinguished from the common productions of the press.

This passion for the honour of a profession, like that for the grandeur of our own country, is to be regulated, not extinguished.

In futurity chiefly are the snares lodged, by which the imagination is entangled.

To facilitate this change of our affections, it is necessary that we weaken the temptations of the world.

We may very properly inquire… how far we can exempt ourselves from outward influences, and secure to our minds a state of tranquillity

Make use at once of the spring of the year, and the spring of life.

In narratives where historical veracity has no place, I cannot discover why there should not be exhibited the most perfect idea of virtue.