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

Gentleness corrects whatever is offensive in our manner.

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

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

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 leads more directly to the breach of charity, and to the injury and molestation of our fellow-creatures, than the indulgence of an ill temper.

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