I was a-trembling, because I'd got to decide, forever, betwixt two things, and I knowed it.

But it is a blessed provision of nature that at times like these, as soon as a man's mercury has got down to a certain point there comes a revulsion, and he rallies. Hope springs up, and cheerfulness along with it, and then he is in good shape to do something for himself, if anything can be done.

Gratitude and treachery are merely the two extremities of the same procession. You have seen all of it that is worth staying for when the band and the gaudy officials have gone by.

The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise.

Of the 417 commandments, only a single one of the 417 has found ministerial obedience; multiply and replenish the earth. To it sinner & saint, scholar & ignoramus, Christian & savage are alike loyal.

I've seen many troubles in my time, only half of which ever came true.

Those who do not read have no advantage over those who cannot read.