Prepare thy soul calmly to obey; such offering will be more acceptable to God than every other sacrifice.

Sharp and fell remorse, the offspring of my sin! Why do you, O God, lacerate my heart so late? Why, O boding cries, that scream so close to me,--why do I listen to you now, and never heard you before?

An old warrior is never in haste to strike the blow.

The canker which the trunk conceals is revealed by the leaves, the fruit, or the flower.

Of all faults the greatest is the excess of impious terror, dishonoring divine grace. He who despairs wants love, wants faith; for faith, hope, and love are three torches which blend their light together, nor does the one shine without the other.

If our inward griefs were written on our brows, how many who are envied now would be pitied. It would seem that they had their deadliest foe in their own breast, and their whole happiness would be reduced to mere seeming.

If every man's internal care Were written on his brow, How many would our pity share Who raise our envy now?