There is no passion that is not finely expressed in those parts of the inspired writings which are proper for divine songs and anthems.

We are growing serious, and, let me tell you, that's the very next step to being dull.

A man should always consider how much he has more than he wants.

It generally takes its rise either from an ill-will to mankind, a private inclination to make ourselves esteemed, an ostentation of wit, and vanity of being thought in the secrets of the world; or from a desire of gratifying any of these dispositions of mind in those persons with whom we converse.

The hours of a wise man are lengthened by his ideas, as those of a fool are by his passions. The time of the one is long, because he does not know what to do with it; so is that of the other, because he distinguishes every moment of it with useful or amusing thoughts--or, in other words, because the one is always wishing it away, and the other always enjoying it.

Plenty of people wish to become devout, but no one wishes to be humble.

Heaven is not to be looked upon only as the reward, but the natural effect, of a religious life.