The present is never the mark of our designs. We use both past and present as our means and instruments, but the future only as our object and aim.

they do not know that they seek only the chase and not the quarry.

Eloquence is a painting of thought; and thus those who, after having painted it, add something more, make a picture instead of a portrait.

The knowledge of God is very far from the love of Him.

When malice has reason on its side, it looks forth bravely, and displays that reason in all its luster. When austerity and self-denial have not realized true happiness, and the soul returns to the dictates of nature, the reaction is fearfully extravagant.

Mediocrity makes the most of its native possessions.

Custom determines what is agreeable.