Civilization sails prettily like a child's rubber balloon until it hits a sharp object; then it is likely to collapse like the balloon.

Charity is the only lubricant that keeps the axle of the world creaking.

The fear we throw about danger is always as disproportionate as a paternal shirt on an infant.

When we pray for death we really desire a fuller life.

Some men are like a church-organ -- you can play on them for a lifetime and always find new harmonies; others are like a music-box -- they have four or five thin jingles.

Some men are like a clock on the roof; they are useful only to the neighbors.

Patience is the analogue of God's serenity.