Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them they are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavour to warp and spoil it to their turn.

Not to be provok'd is best: But if mov'd, never correct till the fume is spent; for every stroke our fury strikes, is sure to hit our selves at last.

'Tis no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome.

God sends us the poor to try us.... And he that refuses them a little out of the great deal that God has given lays up poverty in store for his own posterity.

It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire; and without fire, true fire, no acceptable sacrifice.

The jealous are troublesome to others, but a torment to themselves.

Never give out while there is hope; but hope not beyond reason, for that shows more desire than judgement.