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

As the most generous vine, if it is not pruned, runs out into many superfluous stems, and grows at last weak and fruitless; so dote the best man, if he be not cut short of his desires and pruned with afflictions. If it be painful to bleed, it is worse to wither. Let me be pruned, that I may grow, rather than be cut up to burn.

Earthly greatness is a nice thing, and requires so much chariness in the managing, as the contentment of it cannot requite.

Nothing fools people as much as extreme passion.

There would not be so many open mouths if there were not so many open ears.

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.

God loves to see his creatures happy; our lawful delight is His; they know not God that think to please Him with making themselves miserable. The idolaters thought it a fit service for Baal to cut and lance themselves; never any holy man looked for thanks from the true God by wronging himself.