Such violent extremes were then unknown, of industry and debauchery, frugality and profusion, civility and rusticity, fanaticism and scepticism.

Candor, sincerity, modesty, are the only qualities which the English of that age possessed in common with the present.
High pride of family then prevailed; and it was by a dignity and stateliness of behavior, that the gentry and nobility distinguished themselves from the common people.

Great riches acquired by commerce were more rare, and had not as yet been able to confound all ranks of men, and render money the chief foundation of distinction.

Much ceremony took place in the common intercourse of life, and little familiarity was indulged by the great.

The advantages which result from opulence are so solid and real, that those who are possessed of them need not dread the near approaches of their inferiors.