Vast objects of remote altitude must be looked at a long while before they are ascertained. Ages are the telescope tubes that must be lengthened out for Shakespeare; and generations of men serve but a single witness to his claims.

We cannot be contented because we are happy, and we cannot be happy because we are contented.

The religion of Christ is peace and good-will,--the religion of Christendom is war and ill-will.

In argument, truth always prevails finally; in politics, falsehood always.

We fancy that our afflictions are sent us directly from above; sometimes we think it in piety and contrition, but oftener in moroseness and discontent.

The writing of the wise are the only riches our posterity cannot squander.

Life and death appear more certainly ours than whatsoever else; and yet hardly can that be called ours, which comes without our knowledge, and goes without it.