To make punishments efficacious, two things are necessary. They must never be disproportioned to the offence, and they must be certain.

Stagnation is something worse than death. It is corruption, also.

The amiable is a duty most certainly, but must not be exercised at the expense of any of the virtues. He who seeks to do the amiable always, can only be successful at the frequent expense of his manhood.

Tears are the natural penalties of pleasure. It is a law that we should pay for all that we enjoy.

Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.

Not in sorrow freely is never to open the bosom to the sweets of the sunshine.

Revelation may not need the help of reason, but man does, even when in possession of revelation. Reason may be described as the candle in the man's hand, to which revelation brings the necessary flame.