Taste consists in the power of judging; genius in the power of executing.

The great standard of literature as to purity and exactness of style is the Bible.

Human ability is an unequal match for the violent and unforeseen vicissitudes of the world.

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

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.

The spirit of true religion breathes gentleness and affability; it gives a native, unaffected ease to the behavior; it is social, kind, cheerful; far removed from the cloudy and illiberal disposition which clouds the brow, sharpens the temper, and dejects the spirit.

Only mediocrity of enjoyment is allowed to man.