Literature stands related to Man as Science stands to Nature; it is his history.

There is such a thing as legitimate warfare: war has its laws; there are things which may fairly be done, and things which may not be done.

It is not God's way that great blessings should descend without the sacrifice first of great sufferings. If the truth is to be spread to any wide extent among the people, how can we dream, how can we hope, that trial and trouble shall not accompany its going forth.

Two and two only supreme and luminously self-evident beings, myself and my Creator.

I toast the Pope, but I toast conscience first.

Faith is illuminative, not operative; it does not force obedience, though it increases responsibility; it heightens guilt, but it does not prevent sin. The will is the source of action.

To take up the cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us.