Our actual Friends are but distant relations of those to whom we are pledged.

The walls that fence our fields, as well as modern Rome, and not less the Parthenon itself, are all built of ruins.

This American government - what is it but a tradition, though a recent one, endeavoring to transmit itself unimpaired to posterity, but each instant losing some of its integrity? It has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will.

Seeds, there are seeds enough which need only be stirred in with the soil where they lie, by an inspired voice or pen, to bear fruit of a divine flavor.

Always the laws of light are the same, but the modes and degrees of seeing vary.

In a pure society, the subject of marriage would not be so often avoided,--from shame and not from reverence, winked out of sight,and hinted at only; but treated naturally and simply,--perhaps simply avoided like the kindred mysteries. If it cannot be spoken of for shame, how can it be acted of? But, doubtless, there is far more purity, as well as more impurity, than is apparent.

The purity men love is like the mists which envelope the earth, and not like the azure ether beyond.