It is a noble and great thing to cover the blemishes and excuse the failings of a friend; to draw a curtain before his weaknesses and to display his perfections; to bury his shortcomings in silence but to proclaim his virtues on the housetop.

Similes prove nothing, but yet greatly lighten and relieve the tedium of argument.

The mind begins to boggle at unnatural substances as things paradoxical and incomprehensible.

There is not the least flower but seems to hold up its head, and to look pleasantly, in the secret sense of the goodness of its Heavenly Maker.

So he that despairs, limits an Infinite Power to a Finite Apprehension, and measures Providence by his own little, contracted Model.

Most of the appearance of mirth in the world is not mirth, it is art. The wounded spirit is not seen, but walks under a disguise.

Speech was given to the ordinary sort of men, whereby to communicate their mind; but to wise men, whereby to conceal it.