All men have happiness as their object: there is no exception. However different the means they employ, they all aim at the same end.

All men seek happiness. There are no exceptions.... This is the motive of every act of every man, including those who go and hang themselves.

We run carelessly to the precipice, after we have put something before us to prevent us seeing it.

Without the knowledge of our wretchedness, the knowledge of God creates pride. With it, the knowledge of God creates despair. The knowledge of Christ offers a third way, because in him we find both God and our wretchedness.

Nature, which alone is good, is wholly familiar and common.

It is good to be tired and wearied by the futile search after the true good, that we may stretch out our arms to the Redeemer.

Let us weigh the gain and the loss, in wagering that God is. Consider these alternatives: if you win, you win all, if you lose you lose nothing. Do not hesitate, then, to wager that he is.