There are some who speak one moment before they think

The very impossibility which I find to prove that God is not, discovers to me his existence.

The sublime only paints the true, and that too in noble objects; it paints it in all its phases, its cause and its effect; it is the most worthy expression or image of this truth. Ordinary minds cannot find out the exact expression, and use synonymes.

Duty is what goes most against the grain, because in doing that we do only what we are strictly obliged to, and are seldom much praised for it.

It is motive alone that gives real value to the actions of men, and disinterestedness puts the cap to it.

Extremes are vicious, and proceed from men; compensation is just, and proceeds from God.

Outward simplicity befits ordinary men, like a garment made to measure for them; but it serves as an adornment to those who have filled their lives with great deeds: they might be compared to some beauty carelessly dressed and thereby all the more attractive.