There's not much practical Christianity in the man who lives on better terms with angels and seraphs than with his children, servants and neighbours.

In this world, full often, our joys are only the tender shadows which our sorrows cast.

Nature holds an immense uncollected debt over every man's head.

It is not when the cable lies coiled up on the deck that you know how strong or how weak it is; it is when it is put to the test.

Today is a goblet day. The whole heavens have been mingled with exquisite skill to a delicious flavor, and the crystal cup put to every lip. Breathing is like ethereal drinking. It is a luxury simply to exist.

There is a patience that cackles. There are a great many virtues that are hen-like. They are virtue, to be sure; but everybody in the neighborhood has to know about them.

A dull ax never loves grindstones.