Hosea Ballou

Attempt to teach the young but little at a time; this will be easier to impart, easier to receive, and surer to be retained.

God?s glowing covenant.

It is but a step from companionship to slavery when one associates with vice.

No reproof or denunciation is so potent as the silent influence of a good example.

Reproof, especially as it relates to children, administered in all gentleness, will render the culprit not afraid, but ashamed to repeat the offence.

There is no such thing as "best" in the world of individuals.

Be circumspect in your dealings, and let the seed you plant be the offspring of prudence and care; thus fruit follows the fair blossom, as honor follows a good life.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul; and the heart of man knoweth none more fragrant. While its opponent, ingratitude, is a deadly weed; not only poisonous in itself but impregnating the very atmosphere in which it grows, with fetid vapors.

It is easy to be beautiful; it is difficult to appear so.

Not the least misfortune in a prominent falsehood is the fact that tradition is apt to repeat it for truth.

Some clergymen make a motto, instead of a theme, of their texts.

There is one court whose ?findings? are incontrovertible, and whose sessions are held in the chambers of our own breast.

Brevity and conciseness are the parents of conviction. The leaden bullet is more fatal than when multiplied into shot.

Has not God borne with you these many years? Be ye tolerant to others.

It is my humble prayer that I may be of some use in my day and generation.

O sin, how you paint your face! how you flatter us poor mortals on to death! You never appear to the sinner in your true character; you make fair promises, but you never fulfil one; your tongue is smoother than oil, but the poison of asps is under your lip!

Tears of joy are like the summer rain drops pierced by sunbeams.

Those who commit injustice bear the greatest burden

Death comes to us, under many conditions, with all the welcome serenity of sleep.

Hatred is self-punishment. Hatred it the coward's revenge for being intimidated.

It is the goodly outside that sin puts on which tempteth to destruction. It has been said that sin is like the bee, with honey in its mouth, but a sting in its tail.

Obedience and resignation are our personal offerings upon the altar of duty.

That alone can be called true refinement which elevates the soul of man, purifying the manners by improving the intellect.

Though ambition in itself is a vice, it often is also the parent of virtue.

Disease is the retribution of outraged Nature.