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.
Joseph HallSociety is the atmosphere of souls; and we necessarily imbibe from it something which is either infectious or healthful.
Joseph HallEarthly greatness is a nice thing, and requires so much chariness in the managing, as the contentment of it cannot requite.
Joseph HallRecreation 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.
Joseph HallSatan would seem to be mannerly and reasonable; making as if he would be content with one-half of the heart, whereas God challengeth all or none: as, indeed, He hath most reason to claim all that made all. But this is nothing but a crafty fetch of Satan; for he knows that if he have any part, God will have none: so the whole falleth to his share alone.
Joseph Hall