It is unlikely that the good of a snail should reside in its shell: so is it likely that the good of a man should?

Practice yourself, for heaven's sake, in little things; and thence proceed to greater.

If what the philosophers say be true,—that all men's actions proceed from one source; that as they assent from a persuasion that a thing is so, and dissent from a persuasion that it is not, and suspend their judgment from a persuasion that it is uncertain,—so likewise they seek a thing from a persuasion that it is for their advantage.

Since it is Reason which shapes and regulates all other things, it ought not itself to be left in disorder.

Were I a nightingale, I would act the part of a nightingale; were I a swan, the part of a swan.

Any one thing in the creation is sufficient to demonstrate a Providence to an humble and grateful mind.

No thing great is created suddenly, any more than a bunch of grapes or a fig. If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.

When you close your doors, and make darkness within, remember never to say that you are alone, for you are not alone; nay, God is within, and your genius is within. And what need have they of light to see what you are doing?

O slavish man! will you not bear with your own brother, who has God for his Father, as being a son from the same stock, and of the same high descent? But if you chance to be placed in some superior station, will you presently set yourself up for a tyrant?

Reason is not measured by size or height, but by principle.