Piety practiced in solitude, ...

Piety practiced in solitude, like the flower that blooms in the desert, may give its fragrance to the winds of heaven, and delight those unbodied spirits that survey the works of God and the actions of men; but it bestows no assistance upon earthly beings, and however free from taints of impurity, yet wants the sacred splendor of beneficence.
Piety practiced in solitude, like the flower that blooms in the desert, may give its fragrance to the winds of heaven, and delight those unbodied spirits that survey the works of God and the actions of men; but it bestows no assistance upon earthly beings, and however free from taints of impurity, yet wants the sacred splendor of beneficence.
 Samuel Johnson

Quotes from the same author

If a man does not make new acquaintances as he advances through life, he will soon find himself left alone. A man, sir, should keep his friendship in a constant repair.
 See image
 Samuel Johnson
To keep your secret is wisdom; but to expect others to keep it is folly.
 See image
 Samuel Johnson
Love is the wisdom of the fool and the folly of the wise.
 See image
 Samuel Johnson
Memory is the mother of all wisdom.
 See image
 Samuel Johnson
Friendship, like love, is destroyed by long absence, though it may be increased by short intermissions.
 See image
 Samuel Johnson