Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?

Is it not strange that desire should so many years outlive performance?

Oh! could I throw aside these earthly bands
That tie me down where wretched mortals sigh--
To read more

Oh! could I throw aside these earthly bands
That tie me down where wretched mortals sigh--
To join blest spirits in celestial lands!

When ambitious desires arise in thy heart, recall the days of extremity thou have passed through. Forbearance is the root read more

When ambitious desires arise in thy heart, recall the days of extremity thou have passed through. Forbearance is the root of all quietness and assurance forever.

By annihilating the desires, you annihilate the mind. Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor read more

By annihilating the desires, you annihilate the mind. Every man without passions has within him no principle of action, nor motive to act.

He that flatters you more than you desire either has deceived you or wishes to deceive.

He that flatters you more than you desire either has deceived you or wishes to deceive.

Desire is the very essence of man.

Desire is the very essence of man.

It's so much better to desire than to have. . . . The moment of desire, when you know something read more

It's so much better to desire than to have. . . . The moment of desire, when you know something is going to happen -- that's the most exalting.

Man is a creation of desire, not a creation of need.

Man is a creation of desire, not a creation of need.

We trifle when we assign limits to our desires, since nature hath set none.

We trifle when we assign limits to our desires, since nature hath set none.