Our possessions are wholly in our performances. He owns nothing to whom the world owes nothing.

There is no doubt such a thing as chance, but I see no reason why Providence should not make use of it.

Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful; the proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.

Tact is one of the first of mental virtues, the absence of which is frequently fatal to the best of talents. Without denying that it is a talent of itself, it will suffice if we admit that it supplies the place of many talents.

To feel oppressed by obligation is only to prove that we are incapable of a proper sentiment of gratitude. To receive favors from the unworthy is simply to admit that our selfishness is superior to our pride. Most men remember obligations, but not often to be grateful for them. The proud are made sour by the remembrance and the vain silent.

Revelation may not need the help of reason, but man does, even when in possession of revelation. Reason may be described as the candle in the man's hand, to which revelation brings the necessary flame.

He who would acquire fame must not show himself afraid of censure. The dread of censure is the death of genius.