None so nearly disposed to scoffing at religion as those who have accustomed themselves to swear on trifling occasions.

Zeal is fit for wise men, but flourishes chiefly among fools.

The angriest person in a controversy is the one most liable to be in the wrong.

To be able to bear provocation is an argument of great reason, and to forgive it of a great mind.

Whatever convenience may be thought to be in falsehood and dissimulation, it is soon over; but the inconvenience of it is perpetual, because it brings a man under everlasting jealousy and suspicion, so that he is not believed when he speaks the truth, nor trusted when perhaps he means honestly.

Piety and virtue are not only delightful for the present, but they leave peace and contentment behind them.

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.