Joseph Addison

It is folly for an eminent man to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected with it. read more

It is folly for an eminent man to think of escaping censure, and a weakness to be affected with it. All the illustrious persons of antiquity, and indeed of every age in the world, have passed through this fiery persecution.

It must be so--Plato, thou reasonest well!--
Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
This longing read more

It must be so--Plato, thou reasonest well!--
Else whence this pleasing hope, this fond desire,
This longing after immortality?
Or whence this secret dread, and inward horror,
O falling into nought? Why shrinks the soul
Back on herself, and startles at destruction?
'Tis the divinity that stirs within us;
'Tis heaven itself, that points out an hereafter,
And intimates eternity to man.

Is there not some chosen curse,
Some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven,
Red with uncommon read more

Is there not some chosen curse,
Some hidden thunder in the stores of heaven,
Red with uncommon wrath, to blast the man
Who owes his greatness to his country's ruin?

When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.

When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.

The sense of honour is of so fine and delicate a nature, that it
is only to be met read more

The sense of honour is of so fine and delicate a nature, that it
is only to be met with in minds which are naturally noble, or in
such as have been cultivated by good examples, or a refined
education.