It is with charity as with money--the more we stand in need of it, the less we have to give away.

Examples are few of men ruined by giving.

We should round every day of stirring action with an evening of thought. We learn nothing of our experience except we muse upon it.

Contentment is not happiness. An oyster may be contented. Happiness is compounded of richer elements.

The selection of a subject is to the author what choice of position is to the general,--once skilfully determined, the battle is already half won. Of a few writers it may be said that they are popular in despite of their subjects--but of a great many more it may be observed that they are popular because of them.

Alas, the transports beauty can inspire!

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.