God, immortality, duty - how inconceivable the first, how unbelievable the second, how peremptory and absolute the third.

I had some ambition. I meant everything to be different with me. I thought I had more strength and mastery. But the most terrible obstacles are such as nobody can see except oneself.

You must mind and not lower the Church in people's eyes by seeming to be frightened about it for such a little thing.

Mortals are easily tempted to pinch the life out of their neighbour's buzzing glory, and think that such killing is no murder.

We are not apt to fear for the fearless, when we are companions in their danger.

Saints and martyrs had never interested Maggie so much as sages and poets.

I take a dose of mathematics every day to prevent my brain from becoming quite soft.