Read thou; but first thyself prepare To read with zeal and mark with care ... And, when thou has read what here is writ, Let thy best practice second it. So twice each precept read shall be- First in the Book and next in thee.

A young white boy's badness is simply the overflowing of young animal spirits; the black boy's badness is badness, pure and simple.

When you count your blessings, do not forget to reckon in a lot of things you have not got.

The blues ain't nothin' but a good man feelin' bad.

I sought my soul-but my soul eluded me; I sought my God-but my God eluded me; I sought my brother-and found all three.

When the load feels heavy, it's a sign you're climbing.

When the devil can't make you bad, he makes you too busy.

Cheat me in the price but not in the goods.

He who decries wants to buy.

If you buy a bad thing you will soon buy again.