You will see in this my notion of good works, that I am far from expecting to merit heaven by them. By heaven we understand a state of happiness, infinite in degree, and eternal in duration. I can do nothing to deserve such rewards... Even the mixed imperfect pleasures we enjoy in this world, are rather from God's goodness than our merit, how much more such happiness of heaven!

I wish to live without committing any fault at any time.

Bad gains are true losses.

I believe ... that the soul of man is immortal and will be treated with justice in another life, respecting its conduct in this.

The greatest monarch on the proudest throne is obliged to sit upon his own arse.

I have thought that wild flowers might be the alphabet of angels, — whereby they write on hills and fields mysterious truths, which it is not given our fallen nature to understand.

Not to oversee workmen is to leave them your purse open.