The sermon which I write inquisitive of truth is good a year after, but that which is written because a sermon must be writ is musty the next day.

Conservatism stands on man's confessed limitations; reform on his indisputable infinitude; conservatism on circumstance; liberalism on power; one goes to make an adroit member of the social frame; the other to postpone all things to the man himself.

There is no thought in any mind, but it quickly tends to convert itself into power.

I have heard that stiff people lose something of their awkwardness under high ceilings, and in spacious halls. I think, sculptureand painting have an effect to teach us manners, and abolish hurry.

A man is known by the books he reads.

In the country, without any interference from the law, the agricultural life favors the permanence of families.

The betrothed and accepted lover has lost the wildest charms of his maiden by her acceptance. She was heaven while he pursued her, but she cannot be heaven if she stoops to one such as he!