Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold.

Feast of Martin, Monk, Bishop of Tours, 397 That God loves us in spite of our sin is the Gospel truth; but this truth can only be shared by words, since good deeds are easily [taken to show] the opposite--that we love God. Faith is not understood when [it is] only demonstrated by life. The more sanctified a life without the verbal witness, the greater the danger of the Christian's goodness getting in the way. Should a person by the grace of God become easier to live with, he doesn't need to call attention to it: it will speak for itself. He can instead seek to balance the reverse effect of the good image by occasionally speaking of the unfavorable realities within, those parts that are still changing. In this way, his external behavior by contrast can point to the power of God, rather than to the effort of man. When we decrease, He can increase, but not until.

I think and think for months and years. Ninety-nine times, the conclusion is false. The hundredth time I am right.

Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!

We live by our imagination, our admirations, and our sentiments.

Every creator painfully experiences the chasm between his inner vision and its ultimate expression.

Have mercy upon us miserable sinners.

You must first have a lot of patience to learn to have patience.

The difference between a moral man and a man of honor is that the latter regrets a discreditable act, even when it has worked and he has not been caught.

In the spider-web of facts, many a truth is strangled.

Bless God, America.

Happiness is acceptance.

I would do what I pleased, and doing what I pleased, I should have my will, and having my will, I should be contented; and when one is contented, there is no more to be desired; and when there is no more to be desired, there is an end of it.

When it comes to finances, remember that there are no withholding taxes on the wages of sin.

The surprises of thought are like those of love: they wear out. But here too you can carry on for a long time doing your conjugal duty.

The ear is something we cannot close at will, and we are the poorer for it.

A Christian is God Almighty's gentleman.

Shadows are in reality, when the sun is shining, the most conspicuous thing in a landscape, next to the highest lights.

Writing is a craft not an art.

I was showing early symptoms of becoming a professional baseball man. I was lying to the press.