If there's a power above us, (and that there is all nature cries
aloud
Through all her works) read more

If there's a power above us, (and that there is all nature cries
aloud
Through all her works) he must delight in virtue.

Well may your heart believe the truths I tell;
'Tis virtue makes the bliss, where'er we dwell.

Well may your heart believe the truths I tell;
'Tis virtue makes the bliss, where'er we dwell.

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

As far as I'm concerned, I prefer silent vice to ostentatious virtue.

Man cannot be uplifted; he must be seduced into virtue.

Man cannot be uplifted; he must be seduced into virtue.

Virtue is the only true nobility.

Virtue is the only true nobility.

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.

Virtue must be valuable, if men and women of all degrees pretend to have it.

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but read more

That which leads us to the performance of duty by offering
pleasure as its reward, is not virtue, but a deceptive copy and
imitation of virtue.
[Lat., Nam quae voluptate, quasi mercede aliqua, ad officium
impellitur, ea non est virtus sed fallax imitatio simulatioque
virtutis.]

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, read more

If we had to seek virtue outside of ourselves, that would assuredly be difficult; but as it is within us, it suffices to avoid bad thoughts and to keep our souls turned toward the Lord.

The more virtuous any man is, the less easily does he suspect
others to be vicious.
[Lat., Nam read more

The more virtuous any man is, the less easily does he suspect
others to be vicious.
[Lat., Nam ut quisque est vir optimus, ita difficillime esse
alios improbos suspicatur.]