So far as I have myself observed, the distinctive character of a child is to live always in the tangible present.

See! This our fathers did for us.

Better a child should be ignorant of a thousand truths than have consecrated in its heart a single lie.

The essence of lying is in deception, not in words.

All things are literally better, lovelier, and more beloved for the imperfections which have been divinely appointed, that the law of human life may be effort, and the law of human judgment, mercy.

Contrast increases the splendor of beauty, but it disturbs its influence; it adds to its attractiveness, but diminishes its power.

Once thoroughly our own, the knowledge ceases to give us pleasure.