Space is to place as eternity is to time.
Grace is in garments, in movements, in manners; beauty in the nude, and in forms. This is true of bodies; but when we speak of feelings, beauty is in their spirituality, and grace in their moderation.
Poetry is to be found nowhere unless we carry it within us.
The worst thing about new books is that they keep us from reading the old ones.
We always believe God is like ourselves, the indulgent think him indulgent and the stern, terrible.
Everything that is exact is short.
How many weak shoulders have craved heavy burdens!
I resemble the poplar, – that tree which, even when old, still looks young.
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.