I should not be a Christian but for the miracles.

We run carelessly to the precipice, after we have put something before us to prevent us seeing it.

If we submit everything to reason our religion will be left with nothing mysterious or supernatural. If we offend the principles of reason our religion will be absurd and ridiculous . . . There are two equally dangerous extremes: to exclude reason, to admit nothing but reason.

True eloquence scorns eloquence.

It has pleased God that divine verities should not enter the heart through the understanding, but the understanding through the heart.

It is superstitious to put one's hopes in formalities, but arrogant to refuse to submit to them.

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.