Witticisms are fire-arms, that make a noise and give pain.

One has so much time for thought in the country! However occupied one may be, 'tis with nothing that engrosses the mind, which works away on its own account like a mill-wheel.

The effect of every burden laid down is to leave us relieved; and when the soul has laid down that of its faults at the feet of God, it feels as though it had wings.

Solitude causes us to write because it causes us to think.

We all owe each other concessions of taste and opinion for the sake of family peace and affection.

One fancies that what one loves cannot die.

My God, how badly one calculates in this world! ... Let us leave off calculating on anything but death -- it is the only certainty.