Let no man deceive you with vain words or vain hopes or false notions of a slight and sudden repentance. As if heaven were a hospital founded on purpose to receive all sick and maimed persons that, when they can live no longer to the lusts of the flesh and the sinful pleasures of this world, can but put up a cold and formal petition to be admitted there. No, no, as sure as God is true, they shall never see the Kingdom of God who, instead of seeking it in the first place, make it their last refuge and retreat.

When we have practiced good actions awhile, they become easy; when they are easy, we take pleasure in them; when they please us, we do them frequently; and then, by frequency of act, they grow into a habit.

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

If the show of any thing be good for any thing, I am sure sincerity is better; for why does any man dissemble, or seem to be that which he is not, but because he thinks it good to have such a quality as he pretends to?

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

If God were not a necessary Being of Himself, He might almost seem to be made for the use and benefit of men.

Is not he imprudent, who, seeing the tide making haste towards him apace, will sleep till the sea overwhelms him?