Facts are the mere dross of history. It is from the abstract truth which interpenetrates them, and lies latent among them, like gold in the ore, that the mass derives its whole value; and the precious particles are generally combined with the baser in such a manner that the separation is a task of the utmost difficulty.

The effect of violent dislike between groups has always created an indifference to the welfare and honor of the state.

The upper current of society presents no pertain criterion by which we can judge of the direction in which the under current flows.

An acre in Middlesex is better than a principality in Utopia.

There is no country in Europe which is so easy to over-run as Spain; there is no country which it is more difficult to conquer.

Power, safely defied, touches its downfall.

In employing fiction to make truth clear and goodness attractive, we are only following the example which every Christian ought to propose to himself.