It is highly convenient to believe in the infinite mercy of God when you feel the need of mercy, but remember also his infinite justice.

There surely is in human nature an inherent propensity to extract all the good out of all the evil.

Never disregard what your enemies say. They may be severe, they may be prejudiced, they may be determined to see only in one direction, but still in that direction see clearly. They do not speak all the truth, but they generally speak the truth from one point of view; so far as that goes, attend to them.

Men of genius are often considered superstitious, but the fact is, the fineness of their nerve renders them more alive to the supernatural than ordinary men.

Nothing is difficult; it is only we who are indolent.

Never let your love for your profession overshadow your religious feeling. Depend on it that religion will strengthen, not weaken, your energies, and will not only make you a better sailor, but a superior man. Professional studies are not to be neglected; but, on the other hand, take care how you fall into the common error of believing they are the remedy for all the ills of life.

The greatest geniuses have always attributed everything to God, as if conscious of being possessed of a spark of His divinity.