There are no better cosmetics than a severe temperance and purity, modesty and humility, a gracious temper and calmness of spirit; and there is no true beauty without the signatures of these graces in the very countenance.

Many a man has a kind of a kaleidoscope, where the bits of broken glass are his own merits and fortunes; and they fall into harmonious arrangements, and delight him, often most mischievously and to his ultimate detriment; but they are a present pleasure.

Pride, if not the origin, is the medium of all wickedness-the atmosphere without which it would instantly die away.

Infinite toil would not enable you to sweep away a mist; but by ascending a little you may often look over it altogether.

Those who never philosophized until they met with disappointments, have mostly become disappointed philosophers

Always win fools first. They talk much, and what they have once uttered they will stick to; whereas there is always time, up to the last moment, to bring before a wise man arguments that may entirely change his opinion.

Some persons, instead of making a religion for their God, are content to make a god of their religion.