Folly is like the growth of weeds, always luxurious and spontaneous; wisdom, like flowers, requires cultivation.

It is the goodly outside that sin puts on which tempteth to destruction. It has been said that sin is like the bee, with honey in its mouth, but a sting in its tail.

Honest and courageous people have very little to say about either their courage or their honesty. The sun has no need to boast of his brightness, nor the moon of her effulgence.

That alone can be called true refinement which elevates the soul of man, purifying the manners by improving the intellect.

Our blessings are the least heeded, because the most common events of life.

Prosperity is very liable to bring pride among the other goods with which it endows an individual; it is then that prosperity costs too dear.

Be more careful of your conscience than of your estate. The latter can be bought and sold; the former never.