It is the greatest of all mistakes to begin life with the expectation that it is going to be easy, or with the wish to have it so.

Whatever science and philosophy may do for mankind, the world can never outgrow its need of the simplicity that is in Christ.

Our relatives form the natural setting of our childhood. We understand ourselves best and are best understood by others through the persons who came nearest to us in our earliest years.

The true idea of a church has not yet been shown the world, a visible Church, I mean, unless it was in the very earliest times; yes, the twelve disciples bound to their Lord in love, to do his work forever, that was a church, a Christian family.

No one can feel more gratefully the charm of noble scenery, or the refreshment of escape into the unspoiled solitudes of nature, than the laborer at some close in-door employment.

If the world 's a vale of tears, Smile, till rainbows span it!

God be thanked for the thinkers of good and noble thoughts! It wakes up all the best in ourselves, to come into close contact with others greater and better in every way than we are.