That is true beauty which has not only a substance, but a spirit; a beauty that we must intimately know, justly to appreciate.

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.

There are both dull correctness and piquant carelessness; it is needless to say which will command the most readers and have the most influence.

There is a diabolical trio existing in the natural man, implacable, inextinguishable, co-operative and consentaneous, pride, envy, and hate; pride that makes us fancy we deserve all the goods that others possess; envy that some should be admired while we are overlooked; and hate, because all that is bestowed on others, diminishes the sum we think due to ourselves.

God will excuse our prayers for ourselves whenever we are prevented from them by being occupied in such good works as to entitle us to the prayers of others.

There are some frauds so well conducted that it would be stupidity not to be deceived by them.

God is on the side of virtue; for whoever dreads punishment suffers it, and whoever deserves it, dreads it .