The slanderer and the assassin differ only in the weapon they use; with the one it is the dagger, with the other the tongue. The former is worse that the latter, for the last only kills the body, while the other murders the reputation.

Appreciation, whether of nature, or books, or art, or men, depends very much on temperament. What is beauty or genius or greatness to one, is far from being so to another.

Common sense is, of all kinds, the most uncommon. It implies good judgment, sound discretion, and true and practical wisdom applied to common life.

Sinful and forbidden pleasures are like poisoned bread; they may satisfy appetite for the moment, but there is death in them at the end.

We weep over the graves of infants and the little ones taken from us by death; but an early grave may be the shortest way to heaven.

To be good, we must do good; and by doing good we take a sure means of being good, as the use and exercise of the muscles increase their power.

There is often as much independence in not being led as in not being driven.