War is an ugly thing but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse.

There is no such thing as death. In nature nothing dies. From each sad remnant of decay some forms of life arise so shall his life be taken away before he knoweth that he hath it.

Among the many reasons assignable for the sad decay of true Christianity perhaps the neglecting to assemble ourselves together in religious societies may not be one of the least.

There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.

As the blessings of health and fortune have a beginning so they must also find an end. Everything rises but to fall and increases but to decay.

Great effort is required to arrest decay and restore vigor. One must exercise proper deliberation plan carefully before making a move and be alert in guarding against relapse following a renaissance.

Harmony makes small things grow lack of it makes great things decay.

Government is an evil it is only the thoughtlessness and vices of men that make it a necessary evil. When all men are good and wise government will of itself decay.

False friendship like the ivy decays and ruins the walls it embraces but true friendship gives new life and animation to the object it supports.

Too much freedom can lead to the soul's decay.