A gentleman's first characteristic is that fineness of structure in the body which renders it capable of the most delicate sensation; and of structure in the mind which renders it capable of the most delicate sympathies; one may say simply "fineness of nature.

If the design of the building be originally bad, the only virtue it can ever possess will be signs of antiquity.

Imperfection is in some sort essential to all that we know of life. It is the sign of life in a mortal body, that is to say, of a state of progress and change. Nothing that lives is, or can be rigidly perfect; part of it is decaying, part nascent.

There is nothing so great or so goodly in creation, but that it is a mean symbol of the gospel of Christ, and of the things He has prepared for them that love Him.

It is in this power of saying everything, and yet saying nothing too plainly, that the perfection of art consists.

Conceit may puff a man up, but never prop him up.

To give alms is nothing unless you give thought also.