Unlike the sun, intellectual luminaries shine brightest after they set.

Atheism is a system which can communicate neither warmth nor illumination, except from those fagots which your mistaken zeal has lighted up for its destruction.

Hannibal knew better how to conquer than how to profit by the conquest; and Napoleon was more skilful in taking positions than in maintaining them. As to reverses, no general cart presume to say that he may not be defeated; but he can, and ought to say, that he will not be surprised.

My lowest days as a Christian have been more fulfilling and rewarding than all the days of glory in the White House.

There are three difficulties in authorship; to write any thing worth the publishing — to find honest men to publish it — and to get sensible men to read it.

If you cannot inspire a woman with love of you, fill her above the brim with love of herself; all that runs over will be yours.

Marriage is a feast where the grace is sometimes better than the dinner.