Fools measure actions, after they are done, by the event; wise men beforehand, by the rules of reason and right. The former look to the end, to judge of the act. Let me look to the act, and leave the end with God.

Recreation is intended to the mind as whetting is to the scythe, to sharpen the edge of it, which otherwise would grow dull and blunt,--as good no scythe as no edge.

How endless is that volume which God hath written of the world! Every creature is a letter, every day a new page.

Death borders upon our birth, and our cradle stands in the grave.

Gospel ministers should not only be like dials on watches, or mile-stones upon the road, but like clocks and larums, to sound the alarm to sinners. Aaron wore bells as well as pomegranates, and the prophets were commanded to lift up their voice like a trumpet. A sleeping sentinel may be the loss of the city.

...Covetousness, looking more at what we would have than at what we have.

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