There be three sorts of government--monarchical, aristocratical, democratical; and they are apt to fall three several ways into ruin--the first, by tyranny; the second, by ambition; the last, by tumults. A commonwealth grounded upon any one of these is not of long continuance; but, wisely mingled, each guards the other and makes that government exact.

He that hath promised pardon on our repentance hat not promised life till we repent.

Blessedness is promised to the peacemaker, not to the conqueror.

Heaven finds an ear when sinners find a tongue.

Read not books alone, but men, and amongst them chiefly thyself. If thou find anything questionable there, use the commentary of a severe friend, rather than the gloss of a sweet-lipped flatterer there is more profit in a distasteful truth than in deceitful sweetness.

He that begins to live, begins to die.

Let the fear of a danger be a spur to prevent it.