The fact of our deriving constant pleasure from whatever is a type or semblance of divine attributes, and from nothing but that which is so, is the most glorious of all that can be demonstrated of human nature; it not only sets a great gulf of specific separation between us and the lower animals, but it seems a promise of a communion ultimately deep, close, and conscious, with the Being whose darkened manifestations we here feebly and unthinkingly delight in.

Beauty deprived of its proper foils and adjuncts ceases to be enjoyed as beauty, just as light deprived of all shadows ceases to be enjoyed as light.

When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.

There is no harm in anybody thinking that Christ is in bread. The harm is in the expectation of His presence in gunpowder.

It does not matter what the whip is; it is none the less a whip, because you have cut thongs for it out of your own souls.

All really great pictures exhibit the general habits of nature, manifested in some peculiar, rare, and beautiful way.

The force of the guinea you have in your pocket depends wholly on the default of a guinea in your neighbour's pocket. If he did not want it, it would be of no use to you.