But in taking an oath it is our duty to consider not what one may have to fear in case of violation but wherein its obligation lies: an oath is an assurance backed by religious sanctity; and a solemn promise given, as before God as one's witness, is to be sacredly kept.
From his treatise on moral duties, this passage defines the inherent obligation of an oath beyond fear of divine retribution.
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Again, is there not the fact that the wisest man ever dies with the greatest cheerfulness, the most unwise with the least?
Don't you think that the soul which has the clearer and longer sight sees that it is starting for better things, while the soul whose vision is dimmer does not see it?
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