Look back over the past, with its changing empires that rose and fell, and you can foresee the future too.

Let your one delight and refreshment be to pass from one service to the community to another, with God ever in mind.

Take it that you have died today, and your life's story is ended; and henceforward regard what future time may be given you as uncovenanted surplus, and live it out in harmony with nature.

You should banish any thoughts of how you may appear to others.

You are making an inopportune rejection of what Nature has given you today, if all your mind is set on what men will say of you tomorrow.

Is it possible for any useful thing to be accomplished without change?

Reflect often upon the rapidity with which all existing things, or things coming into existence, sweep past us and are carried away.

So here is a rule to remember in future, when anything tempts you to feel bitter: not, 'This is a misfortune,' but 'To bear this worthily is a good fortune.'

Because a thing is difficult for you, do not therefore suppose it beyond mortal power. On the contrary, if anything is possible and proper for a man to do, assume that it must fall within your own capacity.

Keep yourself simple, good, pure, serious, and unassuming; the friend of justice and godliness; kindly, affectionate, and resolute in your devotion to duty.