... it is curious how fatal it is, either to a situation or to an individual, or even to a name, if in an evil moment it becomes funny.

If you give way to fear, you'll be a coward; and ... a coward is apt to be a liar. The devil's first name is Fear.

... in a wicked way, it is an incentive to good living to observe the spice of enjoyment there is to a godly soul in a very little sin.

Nobody who is somebody looks down on anybody.

When did Youth ever thank Age for its wisdom?

... is there anything more unjust than to build gold and brass and iron on poor, well-meaning clay, -- and then blame the clay when the whole image falls into dust?

as everybody knows, truthfulness and agreeable manners are often divorced on the ground of incompatibility.