Our circumstances answer to our expectations and the demand of our natures.

There they lived on, those New England people, farmer lives, father and grandfather and great-grandfather, on and on without noise, keeping up tradition, and expecting, beside fair weather and abundant harvests, we did not learn what. They were contented to live, since it was so contrived for them, and where their lines had fallen.

When a noble deed is done, who is likely to appreciate it? They who are noble themselves.

It is usually the imagination that is wounded first, rather than the heart; it being much more sensitive.

Justice is sweet and musical; but injustice is harsh and discordant.

Blessed are they who never read a newspaper, for they shall see Nature, and through her, God.

Many are concerned about the monuments of the West and the East -- to know who built them. For my part, I should like to know who in those days did not build them -- who were above such trifling.