Of all duties, prayer certainly is the sweetest and most easy.

Shall we for ever make new books, as apothecaries make new mixtures, by pouring only out of one vessel into another?

There is not a greater paradox in nature,--than that so good a religion [as Christianity] should be no better recommended by its professors.

The most accomplished way of using books is to serve them as some people do lords; learn their titles and then brag of their acquaintance.

In all unmerciful actions, the worst of men pay this compliment at least to humanity, as to endeavour to wear as much of the appearance of it, as the case will well let them.

Sweet pliability of man's spirit, that can at once surrender itself to illusions, which cheat expectation and sorrow of their weary moments! - long - long since had ye numbered out my days, had I not trod so great a part of them upon this enchanted ground. When my way is too rough for my feet, or too steep for my strength, I get off it, to some smooth velvet path which fancy has scattered over with rose-buds of delights; and have taken a few turns on it, come back strengthened and refreshed.

The best hearts are ever the bravest.