Man is the nobler growth our realms supply, And souls are ripen'd in our northern sky. - Anna Laetitia Barbauld

We may think all religions beneficial, and believe of one alone that it is true.

The cheerful light, the vital air, Are blessings widely given; Let nature's commoners enjoy
The common gifts of heaven.The well-taught philosophic mind
To all compassion gives; Casts round the world an equal eye, And feels for all that lives.<p>If mind, as ancient sages taught, A never dying flame, Still shifts thro' matter's varying forms, In every form the same, Beware, lest in the worm you crush A brother's soul you find; And tremble lest thy luckless hand Dislodge a kindred mind.

If an author would have us feel a strong degree of compassion, his characters must not be too perfect.