He that is gone so far as to cut the claws of the lion, will not feel himself quite secure, until he has also drawn his teeth.

We injure mysteries, which are matters of faith, by any attempt at explanation in order to make them matters of reason. Could they be explained, they would cease to be mysteries; and it has been well said that a thing is not necessarily against reason because it happens to be above it.

Time,- that black and narrow isthmus between two eternities.

There are truths which some men despise because they have not examined, and which they will not examine because they despise. There is one signal instance on record where this kind of prejudice was overcome by a miracle; but the age of miracles is past, while that of prejudice remains.

Flattery is often a traffic of mutual meanness, where although both parties intend deception, neither are deceived.

It is adverse to talent to be consorted and trained up with inferior minds and inferior companions, however high they may rank. The foal of the racer neither finds out his speed nor calls out his powers if pastured out with the common herd, that are destined for the collar and the yoke.

I will not be revenged, and this I owe to my enemy; but I will remember, and this I owe to myself.