I read for three things; first, to know what the world has done the last twenty-four hours, and is about to do today; second, for the knowledge that I specially want in my work; and third, for what will bring my mind into a proper mood.

Men think God is destroying them because he is tuning them. The violinist screws up the key till the tense cord sounds the concert pitch; but it is not to break it, but to use it tunefully, that he stretches the string upon the musical rack.

Men go shopping just as men go out fishing or hunting, to see how large a fish may be caught with the smallest hook.

Theology is but our ideas of truth classified and arranged.

Of all joyful, smiling, ever-laughing experiences, there are none like those which spring from true religion.

When our cup runs over, we let others drink the drops that fall, but not a drop from within the rim, and call it charity; when the crumbs are swept from our table, we think it generous to let the dogs eat them; as if that were charity which permits others to have what we cannot keep.

I never know how to worship until I know how to love.