My books are my tools, and the greater their variety and perfection the greater the help to my literary work.

Quiet and sincere sympathy is often the most welcome and efficient consolation to the afflicted. Said a wise man to one in deep sorrow, I did not come to comfort you; God only can do that; but I did come to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your affliction.

Duty performed gives clearness and firmness to faith, and faith thus strengthened through duty becomes the more assured and satisfying to the soul.

Words are both better and worse than thoughts, they express them, and add to them; they give them power for good or evil; they start them on an endless flight, for instruction and comfort and blessing, or for injury and sorrow and ruin.

Preventives of evil are far better than remedies; cheaper and easier of application, and surer in result.

Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.

Never think that God's delays are God's denials. True prayer always receives what it asks, or something better.