"The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul. If heed is not paid to this, it is not true music but a diabolical bawling and bellowing."

"On land, on sea, at home abroad, I smoke my pipe and worship God."

"I have had to write a good deal of music for the church, but I have not always been able to use the best texts."

"Cabbage and turnips have driven me away, had my mother cooked meat, I'd have opted to stay."

"The greatest pleasure of all is to improvise."