True gentleness is founded on a sense of what we owe to him who made us and to the common nature which we all share. It arises from reflection on our own failings and wants, and from just views of the condition and duty of man. It is native feeling heightened and improved by principle.

Nothing, except what flows from the heart, can render even external manners truly pleasing.

Worry not about the possible troubles of the future; for if they come, you are but anticipating and adding to their weight; and if they do not come, your worry is useless; and in either case it is weak and in vain, and a distrust of God's providence.

What ever purifies the heart also fortifies it.

We ought never to sport with pain and distress in any of our amusements, or treat even the meanest insect with wanton cruelty.

Gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manner.

It is pride which fills the world with so much harshness and severity. We are rigorous to offenses as if we had never offended.