Modesty is policy, no less than virtue.

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.

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

The fool is willing to pay for anything but wisdom. No man buys that of which he supposes himself to have an abundance already.

Better that we should err in action than wholly refuse to perform. The storm is so much better than the calm, as it declares the presence of a living principle. Stagnation is something worse than death. It is corruption also.

The dread of criticism is the death of genius.

The amiable is a duty most certainly, but must not be exercised at the expense of any of the virtues. He who seeks to do the amiable always, can only be successful at the frequent expense of his manhood.