The heroes of literary history have been no less remarkable for what they have suffered than for what they have achieved.

When any calamity is suffered, the first thing to be remembered is, how much has been escaped.

That observation which is called knowledge of the world will be found much more frequently to make men cunning than good.

The life of a conscientious clergyman is not easy. I have always considered a clergyman as the father of a larger family than he is able to maintain. I would rather have chancery suits upon my hands than the cure of souls.

He that never thinks can never be wise.

Nothing flatters a man as much as the happiness of his wife; he is always proud of himself as the source of it.

Great abilities are not requisite for an Historian; for in historical composition, all the greatest powers of the human mind are quiescent. He has facts ready to his hand; so there is no exercise of invention. Imagination is not required in any degree; only about as much as is used in the lowest kinds of poetry. Some penetration, accuracy, and coloring, will fit a man for the task, if he can give the application which is necessary.