Sincerity is to speak as we think, to do as we pretend and profess, to perform and make good what we promise, and really to be what we would seem and appear to be.

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

In all the affairs of this world, so much reputation is in reality so much power.

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

Sincerity is like traveling on a plain, beaten road, which commonly brings a man sooner to his journey's end than by-ways, in which men often lose themselves.

He who is sincere hath the easiest task in the world, for, truth being always consistent with itself, he is put to no trouble about his words and actions; it is like traveling in a plain road, which is sure to bring you to your journey's end better than byways in which many lose themselves.

Every man hath greater assurance that God is good and just than he can have of any subtle speculations about predestination and the decrees of God.