Out of politics comes more uproar than progress. It is indeed surprising how little, comparatively, this noisy department of human affairs contributes to the world's prosperity. Political commotions upon the grandest scale, political events of astounding suddenness, political characters of the greatest ability, abound, but still, permanent results are rare, and we look in vain for a measure of public good corresponding in extent to the hideous rout which ushers it in. Progress but turns upon its pillow, and goes to sleep again.

The body of a sensualist is the coffin of a dead soul.

The loss of a beloved connection awakens an interest in Heaven before unfelt.

The greatest events of an age are its best thoughts. Thought finds its way into action.

Passion doesn't look beyond the moment of its existence.

Affliction, like the iron-smith, shapes as it smites.

Can that which is the greatest virtue in philosophy, doubt (called by Galileo the father of invention), be in religion what the priests term it, the greatest of sins?