Justice to my readers compels me to admit that I write because I have nothing to do; justice to myself induces me to add that I will cease to write the moment I have nothing to say.

Great minds had rather deserve contemporaneous applause without obtaining it, than obtain without deserving it. If it follow them it is well, but they will not deviate to follow it.

Purity lives and derives its life solely from the Spirit of God.

Mystery is not profoundness.

Happiness ... leads none of us by the same route.

Examinations are formidable even to the best prepared, for the greatest fool may ask more than the wisest man can answer.

Fashions smile has given wit to dullness and grace to deformity, and has brought everything into vogue, by turns, but virtue.