In matters of great concern, and which must be done, there is no surer argument of a weak mind than irresolution; to be undetermined where the case is so plain, and the necessity so urgent. To be always intending to live a new life, but never to find time to set about it; this is as if a man should put off eating, and drinking, and sleeping, from one day and night to another, till he is starved and destroyed.

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

And as for Pleasure, there is little in this World that is true and sincere, besides the Pleasure of doing our Duty, and of doing good.

There is no readier way for a man to bring his own worth into question than by endeavoring to detract from the worth of other men.

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.

A good word is an easy obligation; but not to speak ill requires only our silence, which costs us nothing.

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