We must first pray, that God would make us wise; before we can wish, he would make us happy.

Sorrows, because they are lingering guests, I will entertain but moderately, knowing that the more they are made of the longer they will continue: and for pleasures, because they stay not, and do but call to drink at my door, I will use them as passengers with slight respect. He is his own best friend that makes the least of both of them.

Words are as they are taken, and things are as they are used. There are even cursed blessings.

Now you say, alas! Christianity is hard; I grant it; but gainful and happy. I contemn the difficulty when I respect the advantage. The greatest labors that have answerable requitals are less than the least that have no regard. Believe me, when I look to the reward, I would not have the work easier. It is a good Master whom we serve, who not only pays, but gives; not after the proportion of our earnings, but of His own mercy.

A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was.

What fools are we, to be besotted with the love of our own trouble, and to hate our liberty and rest!

For every bad there might be a worse; and when one breaks his leg let him be thankful it was not his neck.