If our souls be immortal, this makes amends for the frailties of life and the sufferings of this state.

There are two restraints which God has laid upon human nature, shame and fear; shame is the weaker, and has place only in those in whom there are some reminders of virtue.

Abstinence is many times very helpful to the end of religion.

Great is the advantage of patience.

Are we proud and passionate, malicious and revengeful? Is this to be like-minded with Christ, who was meek and lowly?

The gospel chargeth us with piety towards God, and justice and charity to men, and temperance and chastity in reference to ourselves.

It is pleasant to be virtuous and good, because that is to excel many others; it is pleasant to grow better, because that is to excel ourselves; it is pleasant to mortify and subdue our lusts, because that is victory; it is pleasant to command our appetites and passions, and to keep them in due order within the bounds of reason and religion, because this is empire.