The first merit of pictures is the effect which they can produce upon the mind; — and the first step of a sensible man should be to receive involuntary effects from them. Pleasure and inspiration first, analysis afterward.

Good nature is worth more than knowledge, more than money, more than honor, to the persons who possess it.

The man who perceives life only with his eye, his ear, his hand, and his tongue, is but little higher than the ox or an intelligent dog; but he who has imagination sees things around and above him, as the angels see them.

Now comes the mystery.

Sorrow makes men sincere.

Let parents who hate their offspring rear them to hate labor, and to inherit riches; and before long they will be stung by every vice, racked by its poison, and damned by its penalty.

God made man to go by motives, and he will not go without them, any more than a boat without steam or a balloon without gas.