When emulation leads us to strive for self-elevation by merit alone, and not by belittling another, then it is one of the grandest possible incentives to action.

Then with no throbs of fiery pain, No cold gradations of decay, Death broke at once the vital chain, And freed his soul the nearest way.

When any calamity is suffered, the first thing to be remembered is, how much has been escaped.

It is however, reasonable, to have perfection in our eye; that we may always advance towards it, though we know it never can be reached.

Almost every man wastes part of his life attempting to display qualities which he does not possess.

It is dangerous for mortal beauty, or terrestrial virtue, to be examined by too strong a light. The torch of Truth shows much that we cannot, and all that we would not, see.

There may be community of material possessions, but there can never be community of love or esteem.