Despatch is the soul of business.

There is that in the soul of man which must respond to the highest in virtue. It may not respond at once. Human nature can easily be over-faced by examples too remote and austere. Moreover, human nature can easily deny God because the whole race has long been in rebellion against Him. Yet there is that in human nature which calls out to the supreme examples of virtue: owns, as it were, the intention of God who made it, and feels the unmistakable homesickness of the soul.

The nations which have put mankind and posterity most in their debt have been small states Israel, Athens, Florence, Elizabethan England.

There are certain events which to each man's life are as comets to the earth, seemingly strange and erratic portents; distinct from the ordinary lights which guide our course and mark our seasons, yet true to their own laws, potent in their own influences.

Beauty, alone, may please, not captivate; if lacking grace, 'tis but a hookless bait.

In foreign affairs, the president can do what he wants unless Congress says no. In domestic policy, the president can't do anything unless Congress says yes.

Know, he that foretells his own calamity, and makes events before they come, twice over, doth endure the pains of evil destiny.