Truth is always consistent with itself, and needs nothing to help it out. It is always near at hand, and sits upon our lips, and is ready to drop out before we are aware; whereas a lie is troublesome, and sets a man's invention upon the rack; and one trick needs a great many more to make it good.

Men sunk in the greatest darkness imaginable retain some sense and awe of the Deity.

We anticipate our own happiness, and eat out the heart and sweetness of worldly pleasures by delightful forethought of them.

The little and short sayings of nice And excellent men are of great value, like the dust of gold, or the least sparks of diamonds.

Men expect that religion should cost them no pains, that happiness should drop into their laps without any design and endeavor on their part, and that, after they have done what they please while they live, God should snatch them up to heaven when they die. But though the commandments of God be not grievous, yet it is fit to let men know that they are not thus easy.

Ignorance and inconsideration are the two great causes of the ruin of mankind.

If they be principles evident of themselves, they need nothing to evidence them.