Clothes and manners do not make the man; but, when he is made, they greatly improve his appearance. Compassion will cure more sins than condemnation. Doctrine is nothing but the skin of truth set up and stuffed. Every charitable act is a stepping stone towards heaven. Expedients are for the hour, but principles are for the ages. God appoints our graces to be nurses to other men's weaknesses. He who is false to present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and will find the flaw when he may have forgotten its cause. Flowers have an expression of countenance as much as men and animals. Some seem to smile; some have a sad expression; some are pensive and diffident; others again are plain, honest and upright, like the broad-faced sunflower and the hollyhock. As for marigolds, poppies, hollyhocks, and valorous sunflowers, we shall never have a garden without them, both for their own sake, and for the sake of old-fashioned folks, who used to love them. God asks no man whether he will accept life. That is not the choice. You must take it. The only choice is how. | 
