Man, being not only a religious, but also a social being, requires for the promotion of his rational happiness religious institutions, which, while they give a proper direction to devotion, at the same time make a wise and profitable improvement of his social feelings.

No reproof or denunciation is so potent as the silent influence of a good example.

You cannot judge by outward appearances; the soul is only transparent to its Maker.

It is better to be the builder of our own name than to be indebted by descent for the proudest gifts known to the books of heraldry.

Prosperity seems to be scarcely safe, unless it be mixed with a little adversity.

It is vain to trust in wrong; it is like erecting a building upon a frail foundation, and which will directly be sure to topple over.

There is no immunity from the consequences of sin; punishment is swift and sure to one and all.