Quotes of All Topics . Occasions . Authors
An idol is what man makes and then has to carry. God makes a man and then carries him.
He that is conceited of his Wisdom, is readier to impose Error, than to receive Truth.
He that neither knows himself nor thinks he can learn of others is not fit for company.
Riches are but a means, or instrument; and the virtue of an instrument lies in its use.
Will, without reason, is a blind man's motion; will, against reason, is a madman's motion.
The more mysterious, the more imperfect: that which is mystically spoken is but half spoken.
Among politicians the esteem of religion is profitable; the principles of it are troublesome.
Modesty and humility are the sobriety of the mind, as temperance and chastity are of the body.
Such an explication of Grace as sets men at liberty in morals, makes void the Law through Faith.
None of us was born knowing or wise; but men become wise by consideration, observation, experience.
A wise man will not communicate his differing thoughts to unprepared minds, or in a disorderly manner.
Only madmen and fools are pleased with themselves; no wise man is good enough for his own satisfaction.
Some things must be good in themselves, else there could be no measure whereby to lay out good and evil.
All is not done when we have spoken to God by prayer; our petitions are to be pursued with real endeavours.
Let us all so live as we shall wish we had lived when we come to die; for that only is well, that ends well.
The human soul is to God, is as the flower to the sun; it opens at its approach, and shuts when it withdraws.
It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a happy place, unless he be first in a happy state.
Either be a true friend or a mere stranger: a true friend will delight to do good--a mere stranger will do no harm.
Where Religion does take place and is effectual, it makes this world, in measure and degree, representative of Heaven.
He is not likely to learn who is not willing to be taught; for the learner has something to do, as well as the teacher.
It is hypocrisy for man to make any other use of his religion, or the credit of it, than to sanctify and save his soul.
Repentance doth alter a man's case with God: and therefore repentance should alter the case between one man and another.
A guilty mind can be eased by nothing but repentance; by which what was ill done is revoked and morally voided and undone.
The government of man should be the monarchy of reason: it is too often the democracy of passions or the anarchy of humors.
The more mysterious, the more imperfect; as darkness is, in comparison with light--so is mystery, in comparison with knowledge.
Nothing spoils human nature more than false zeal. The good nature of a heathen is more God-like than the furious zeal of a Christian.
Some are Atheists by Neglect; others are so by Affectation; they, that think there is no God at some times; do not think so at all times.
Every man is born with the faculty of reason and the faculty of speech, but why should he be able to speak before he has anything to say?
If a man will be righteous and equal, let him see, with his neighbour's eyes, in his own case; and with his own eyes, in his neighbour's case.
None more deceive themselves than they who think their religion is true and genuine, thought it refines not their spirits and reforms not their lives.
Ah! when in the immortal ranks enlisted, I sometimes wonder if we shall not find That not by deeds, but by what we've resisted, Our places are assigned.
Truth is not only a man's ornament but his instrument; it is the great man's glory, and the poor man's stock: a man's truth is his livelihood, his recommendation, his letters of credit.
It is altogether as worthy of God and as much becoming Him to pardon and show mercy, in case of repentance and submission and reformation, as to punish, in case of impenitency and obstinacy.
Did Christians live according to their Religion, they would do nothing but what Truth, Righteousness, and Goodness do, according to their understanding and ability: and then one man would be a God unto another.
Those who live not by law would be justified by Custom: but, as common practice is the worst teacher that ever was, so the truth and goodness of things is not to be estimated by the entertainment and acceptance they find in the world.