I am not in the least surprised that your impression of death becomes more lively, in proportion as age and infirmity bring it nearer. God makes use of this rough trial to undeceive us in respect to our courage, to make us feel our weakness, and to keep us in all humility in His hands.

How does our will become sanctified? By conforming itself unreservedly to that of God.

The blood of a nation ought never to be shed except for its own preservation in the utmost extremity.

Frequently a big advantage can be gained by knowing how to give in at the right moment.

How desirable is this simplicity! Who will give it to me? I will quit all else; it is the pearl of great price.

The gifts of God are not to be rejected on account of the channel that brings them.

God has not chosen to save us without crosses; as He has not seen fit to create men at once in the full vigor of manhood, but has suffered them to grow up by degrees amid all the perils and weaknesses of youth.