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.

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.

Heaven hath many tongues to talk of it, more eyes to behold it, but few hearts that rightly affect it.

Let others either envy or pity me; I care not, so long as I enjoy myself.

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

Let me know myself; let others guess at me.

Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl chain of all virtues.