All I desire is, that my poverty may not be a burden to myself, or make me so to others; and that is the best state of fortune that is neither directly necessitous nor far from it. A mediocrity of fortune, with gentleness of mind, will preserve us from fear or envy; which is a desirable condition; for no man wants power to do mischief.

A benefit consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.

There is no benefit so large that malignity will not lessen it; none so narrow that a good interpretation will not enlarge it.

The first and greatest punishment of the sinner is the conscience of sin.

Health is the soul that animates all the enjoyments of life, which fade and are tasteless without it.

As Lucretius says: 'Thus ever from himself doth each man flee.' But what does he gain if he does not escape from himself? He ever follows himself and weighs upon himself as his own most burdensome companion. And so we ought to understand that what we struggle with is the fault, not of the places, but of ourselves

Brother, the Great Spirit has made us all. . . . .