As covetousness is the root of all evil, so poverty is the worst of all snares.

Vice came in always at the door of necessity, not at the door of inclination.

I learned to look more upon the bright side of my condition, and less upon the dark side, and to consider what I enjoyed, rather than what I wanted : and this gave me sometimes such secret comforts, that I cannot express them ; and which I take notice of here, to put those discontented people in mind of it, who cannot enjoy comfortably what God has given them, because they see and covet something that he has not given them. All our discontents about what we want appeared to me to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.

Not the man in the moon, not the groaning-board, not the speaking of friar Bacon's brazen- head, not the inspiration of mother Shipton, or the miracles of Dr. Faustus, things as certain as death and taxes, can be more firmly believed.

And of all plagues with which mankind are curst, Ecclesiastic tyranny's the worst.

[The Devil's] laws are easy, and his gentle sway, Makes it exceeding pleasant to obey .

All our discontents about what we want appeared to spring from the want of thankfulness for what we have.