The best portraits are perhaps those in which there is a slight mixture of caricature; and we are not certain that the best histories are not those in which a little of the exaggeration of fictitious narrative is judiciously employed. Something is lost in accuracy; but much is gained in effect. The fainter lines are neglected; but the great characteristic features are imprinted on the mind forever.

The effective strength of sects is not to be ascertained merely by counting heads.

We hold that the most wonderful and splendid proof of genius is a great poem produced in a civilized age.

There were gentlemen and there were seamen in the navy of Charles the Second. But the seamen were not gentlemen; and the gentlemen were not seamen.

The good-humor of a man elated with success often displays itself towards enemies.

I don't mind your thinking slowly; I mind your publishing faster than you think.

We must judge a government by its general tendencies and not by its happy accidents.