Man is an animal that cannot long be left in safety without occupation; the growth of his fallow nature is apt to run into weeds.

One might feel indignant at the injustice which deals out what is called fame with so unequal a hand, were it not for the reflection that men who are competent to add to the intellectual wealth of the world, and enlarge the domain of knowledge, have learned to take popular applause at its true value, and to find in the faithful discharge of honorable duty a satisfaction which is its own reward.

A sluggish, dawdling, and dilatory man may have spasms of activity, but he never acts continuously and consecutively with energetic quickness.

The shadow of human life is traced upon a golden ground of immortal hope.

A vacant mind invites dangerous inmates, as a deserted mansion tempts wandering outcasts to enter and take up their abode in its desolate apartments.

The force of selfishness is as inevitable and as calculable as the force of gravitation.

Great men are among the best gifts which God bestows upon a people.