Alas! how has the social spirit of Christianity been perverted by fools at one time, and by knaves and bigots at another; by the self-tormentors of the cell, and the all-tormentors of the conclave!

If a book really wants the patronage of a great name, it is a bad book; and if it be a good book, it wants it not.

We should choose our books as we would our companions, for their sterling and intrinsic merit.

Most of our misfortunes are more supportable than the comments of our friends upon them.

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

Were we as eloquent as angels we still would please people much more by listening rather than talking.

Doubt is the vestibule through which all must pass before they can enter into the temple of wisdom.