A house built on sand is, in fair weather, just as good as if builded on a rock. A cobweb is as good as the mightiest chain cable when there is no strain on it. It is trial that proves one thing weak and another strong.

A man's true state of power and riches is to be in himself.

When a man sells eleven ounces for twelve, he makes a compact with the devil, and sells himself for the value of an ounce.

John Wesley quaintly observed that the road to heaven is a narrow path, not intended for wheels, and that to ride in a coach here and to go to heaven hereafter, was a happiness too much for man.

A bird in a cage is not half a bird.

Whatever is almost true is quite false, and among the most dangerous of errors, because being so near truth, it is more likely to lead astray.

Public sentiment is to public officers what water is to the wheel of the mill.