Men talk as if they believed in God, but they live as if they thought there was none; their vows and promises are no more than words, of course.

What signifies the sound of words in prayer without the affection of the heart, and a sedulous application of the proper means that may naturally lead us to such an end?

Partiality in a parent is unlucky; for fondlings are in danger to be made fools.

Imperfections would not be half so much taken notice of, if vanity did not make proclamation of them.

Intemperate wits will spare neither friend nor foe, and make themselves the common enemies of mankind.

Men indulge those opinions and practices that favor their pretensions.

Passions, as fire and water, are good servants, but bad masters, and subminister to the best and worst purposes.