The God of metaphysics is but an idea. But the God of religion, the Maker of heaven and earth, the sovereign Judge of actions and thoughts, is a power.
The evening of life brings with it its lamps.
Genuine witticisms surprise those who say them as much as those who listen to them; they arise in us in spite of us, or, at least, without our participation, – like everything inspired.
Religion is fire which example keeps alive, and which goes out if not communicated.
There is in the soul a taste for the good, just as there is in the body an appetite for enjoyment.
Criticism even should not be without its charms. When quite devoid of all amenities, it is no longer literary.
Be saving, but not at the cost of all liberality. Have the soul of a king and the hand of a wise economist.
Avoid singularity. There may often be less vanity in following the new modes than in adhering to the old ones. It is true that the foolish invent them, but the wise may conform to, instead of contradicting, them.
Young authors give their brains much exercise and little food.
Credulity forges more miracles than trickery could invent.
Liquid, flowing words are the choicest and the best, if language is regarded as music. But when it is considered as a picture, then there are rough words which are very telling, they make their mark.
One can with dignity be wife and widow but once.
There are some men who are witty when they are in a bad humor, and others only when they are sad.
Old age takes from the man of intellect no qualities save those that are useless to wisdom.
Virtue is the health of the soul. It gives a flavor to the smallest leaves of life.
Antiquity! I like its ruins better than its reconstructions.
Genuine bon mots surprise those from whose lips they fall, no less than they do those who listen to them.
The last word should be the last word. It is like a finishing touch given to color; there is nothing more to add. But what precaution is needed in order not to put the last word first.
A thought is a thing as real as a cannonball.
Ideas never lack for words. It is words that lack ideas.