A man must thank his defects, and stand in some terror of his talents. A transcendent talent draws so largely on his forces as tolame him; a defect pays him revenues on the other side.

The highest proof of civility is that the whole public action of the State is directed on securing the greatest good of the greatest number.

The great poet makes us feel our own wealth, and then we think less of his compositions. His best communication to our mind is to teach us to despise all he has done.

He who has acquired the ability, may wait securely the occasion of making it felt and appreciated, and know that it will not loiter.

By necessity, by proclivity, and by delight, we all quote.

Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.

Prayer that craves a particular commodity—anything less than all good, is vicious. Prayer is the contemplation of the facts of life from the highest point of view. It is the soliloquy of a beholding and jubilant soul. It is the spirit of God pronouncing his works good. But prayer as a means to effect a private end is theft and meanness. It supposes dualism and not unity in nature and consciousness. As soon as the man is at one with God, he will not beg.