Every human being has a work to carry on within, duties to perform abroad, influence to exert, which are peculiarly his, and which no conscience but his own can teach.

A clear thought, a pure affection, a resolute act of a virtuous will, have a dignity of quite another kind, and far higher than accumulations of brick and granite and plaster and stucco, however cunningly put together.

God deliver us all from prejudice and unkindness, and fill us with the love of truth and virtue.

Another powerful principle of our nature, which is the spring of war, is the passion for superiority, for triumph, for power. The human mind is aspiring, impatient of inferiority, and eager for preeminence and control.

Labor is discovered to be the grand conqueror, enriching and building up nations more surely than the proudest battles.

Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.

In the long run, truth is aided by nothing so much as by opposition.