I would look at the first chapter of any new novel as a final test of its merits. If there was a murdered man under the sofa in the first chapter, I read the story. If there was no murdered man under the sofa in the first chapter, I dismissed the story as tea-table twaddle, which it often really was.

The essence of all pantheism, evolutionism, and modern cosmic religion is really this proposition: that nature is our mother. Unfortunately, if you regard Nature as a mother, you discover she is a step-mother.

The cross cannot be defeated for it is defeat.

The atheist is not interested in anything except attacks on atheism.

Passion makes every detail important.

The present condition of fame is merely fashion.

The great saint may be said to mix all his thoughts with thanks. All goods look better when they look like gifts.