A good man's life is all of a piece.

We never better enjoy ourselves than when we most enjoy God.

Among politicians the esteem of religion is profitable; the principles of it are troublesome.

The judge is nothing but the law speaking.

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.

None are so empty as those who are full of themselves.

Only madmen and fools are pleased with themselves; no wise man is good enough for his own satisfaction.

The Devil often finds work for them who find none for themselves.

When we do any good to others, we do as much, or more, good to ourselves.

The government of man should be the monarchy of reason: it is too often the democracy of passions or the anarchy of humors.

A benefactor is a representative of God.

Anyone who takes on my sister, " he had postured once, all puffed-out bravado, "will have to deal with ...my sister." And then he'd dived behind her and cowered.

You’re a real cowboy.”

I hate people in general, but you guys are cool with me.

No verse which is unmusical or obscure can be regarded as poetry whatever other qualities it may possess.

Sin is a disproportionate seriousness.

Whenever I have a bunch of tunes written, I always find a kind of uniform that accompanies the songs.

Of all people who engage in controversy, we, who are called Calvinists, are most expressly bound by our own principles to the exercise of gentleness and moderation.

Television is an isolating experience, sadly enough. I'm sorry to say it. But as good as it ever gets, it's still isolating. You sit in your home and visit with no one.

Not every book has to be loaded with symbolism, irony, or musical language, but it seems to me that every book-at least every one worth reading-is about something.