Facts are to the mind what food is to the body. On the due digestion of the former depend the strength and wisdom of the one, just as vigor and health depend on the other. The wisest in council, the ablest in debate, and the most agreeable companion in the commerce of human life, is

Example is the school of mankind, and they will learn at no other.

Mere parsimony is not economy. Expense, and great expense, may be an essential part in true economy. Economy is a distributive virtue, and consists, not in saving, but in selection. Parsimony requires no providence, no sagacity, no powers of combination, no comparison, no judgment.

Education is the chief defense of nations.

When bad men combine, the good must associate, else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.

Corrupt influence is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; it loads us more than millions of debt; takes away vigor from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every shadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our constitution.

A state without some means of change is without the means of its conservation.

Beauty in distress is much the most affecting beauty.

He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

The same sun which gilds all nature, and exhilarates the whole creation, does not shine upon disappointed ambition.