The universe seems bankrupt as soon as we begin to discuss the characters of individuals.

There are theoretical reformers at all times, and all the world over, living on anticipation.

That Cabot merely landed on the uninhabitable shore of Labrador gave the English no just title to New England, or to the United States generally, any more than to Patagonia.

Our manners have been corrupted by communication with the saints. Our hymn-books resound with a melodious cursing of God and enduring Him forever. One would say that even the prophets and redeemers had rather consoled the fears than confirmed the hopes of man. There is nowhere recorded a simple and irrepressible satisfaction with the gift of life, any memorable praise of God.

A man sits as many risks as he runs.

It is said that a rogue does not look you in the face, neither does an honest man look at you as if he had his reputation to establish.

Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.