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

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

Mark in what order: first, our calling; then, our election; not beginning with our election first. By our calling, arguing our election.

There is no word or action but may be taken with two hands,--either with the right hand of charitable construction, or the sinister interpretation of malice and suspicion; and all things do succeed as they are taken. To construe an evil, action well is but a pleasing and profitable deceit to myself; but to misconstrue a good thing is a treble wrong,--to myself, the action, and the author.

Not to be afflicted is a sign of weakness; for, therefore God imposeth no more on me, because He sees I can bear no more.

I have seldom seen much ostentation and much learning met together. The sun, rising and declining, makes long shadows; at mid day, when he is highest, none at all.

Rich people should consider that they are only trustees for what they posses, and should show their wealth to be more in doing good than merely in having it.