The imagination enlarges little objects so as to fill our souls with a fantastic estimate; and, with rash insolence, it belittles the great to its own measure, as when talking of God.

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.

It is good to be tired and wearied by the futile search after the true good, that we may stretch out our arms to the Redeemer.

Men often take their imagination for their heart; and they believe they are converted as soon as they think of being converted.

Even those who write against fame wish for the fame of having written well, and those who read their works desire the fame of having read them.

Muhammad established a religion by putting his enemies to death; Jesus Christ by commanding his followers to lay down their lives.

All of our miseries prove our greatness. They are the miseries of a dethroned monarch.