It is defeat that turns bone to flint; it is defeat that turns gristle to muscle; it is defeat that makes men invincible. Do not then be afraid of defeat. You are never so near to victory as when defeated in a good cause.

I have great hope of a wicked man, slender hope of a mean one. A wicked man may be converted and become a prominent saint. A mean man ought to be converted six or seven times, one right after the other, to give him a fair start and put him on an equality with a bold, wicked man.

If you are idle, you are on the road to ruin; and there are few stopping-places upon it. It is rather a precipice than a road

Books are the true metempsychosis,--they are the symbol and presage of immortality. The dead men are scattered, and none shall find them. Behold they are here! they do but sleep.

A man without self-restraint is like a barrel without hoops, and tumbles to pieces.

Our sweetest experiences of affection are meant to be suggestions of that realm which is the home of the heart.

Sharp men, like sharp needles, break easy, though they pierce quick.