Many Thoughts of Many Minds.

by Various.

PREFACE.

In the limited compa.s.s of this small volume, the compiler has endeavored to employ only such material as is likely to prove of service to the largest circle of readers. Nearly four hundred subjects have received consideration at his hands, and the quotations given are from standard authors of recognized ability. Upwards of twenty-five hundred extracts from the choicest literature of all ages and tongues, topically arranged, and in scope so wide as to touch on nearly every subject that engages the human mind, const.i.tute a treasury of thought which, it is hoped, will be acceptable and helpful to all into whose hands this volume may chance to fall.

Many Thoughts of Many Minds.

ABILITY.--No man is without some quality, by the due application of which he might deserve well of the world; and whoever he be that has but little in his power should be in haste to do that little, lest he be confounded with him that can do nothing.--DR. JOHNSON.

We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing, while others judge us by what we have already done.--LONGFELLOW.

Every person is responsible for all the good within the scope of his abilities, and for no more.--GAIL HAMILTON.

The possession of great powers no doubt carries with it a contempt for mere external show.--JAMES A. GARFIELD.

The art of using moderate abilities to advantage wins praise, and often acquires more reputation than actual brilliancy.--LA ROCHEFOUCAULD.

Ability is a poor man's wealth.--MATTHEW WREN.

The measure of capacity is the measure of sphere to either man or woman.--ELIZABETH OAKES SMITH.

Natural ability can almost compensate for the want of every kind of cultivation; but no cultivation of the mind can make up for the want of natural ability.--SCHOPENHAUER.

An able man shows his spirit by gentle words and resolute actions.

--CHESTERFIELD.

ABSOLUTION.--No man taketh away sins (which the law, though holy, just and good, could not take away), but He in whom there is no sin.--BEDE.

He alone can remit sins who is appointed our Master by the Father of all; He only is able to discern obedience from disobedience.

--ST. CLEMENT OF ALEXANDRIA.

It is not the amba.s.sador, it is not the messenger, but the Lord Himself that saveth His people. The Lord remaineth alone, for no man can be partner with G.o.d in forgiving sins; this office belongs solely to Christ, who taketh away the sins of the world.--ST. AMBROSE.

It appertaineth to the true G.o.d alone to be able to loose men from their sins.--ST. CYRIL.

Neither angel, nor archangel, nor yet even the Lord Himself (who alone can say "I am with you"), can, when we have sinned, release us, unless we bring repentance with us.--ST. AMBROSE.

ACTION.--The thing done avails, and not what is said about it.--EMERSON.

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.--BEACONSFIELD.

There are three sorts of actions: those that are good, those that are bad, and those that are doubtful; and we ought to be most cautious of those that are doubtful; for we are in most danger of these doubtful actions, because they do not alarm us; and yet they insensibly lead to greater transgressions, just as the shades of twilight gradually reconcile us to darkness.--A. REED.

To the valiant actions speak alone.--SMOLLETT.

It is well to think well: it is divine to act well.--HORACE MANN.

Active natures are rarely melancholy. Activity and melancholy are incompatible.--BOVEE.

Not enjoyment, and not sorrow, Is our destined end or way; But to act, that each to-morrow Finds us farther than to-day.

Trust no Future, howe'er pleasant!

Let the dead Past bury its dead!

Act, act, in the living Present!

Heart within, and G.o.d o'erhead!

--LONGFELLOW.

Every man feels instinctively that all the beautiful sentiments in the world weigh less than a single lovely action.--LOWELL.

Prodigious actions may as well be done By weaver's issue, as by prince's son.

--DRYDEN.

It is not to taste sweet things, but to do n.o.ble and true things, and vindicate himself under G.o.d's heaven as a G.o.d-made man, that the poorest son of Adam dimly longs. Show him the way of doing that, the dullest day-drudge kindles into a hero.--CARLYLE.

Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.--COLTON.

When our souls shall leave this dwelling, the glory of one fair and virtuous action is above all the scutcheons on our tomb, or silken banners over us.--J. SHIRLEY.

Our acts make or mar us,--we are the children of our own deeds.

--VICTOR HUGO.

Man, being essentially active, must find in activity his joy, as well as his beauty and glory; and labor, like everything else that is good, is its own reward.--WHIPPLE.

ADVERSITY.--Times of great calamity and confusion have ever been productive of the greatest minds. The purest ore is produced from the hottest furnace, and the brightest thunderbolt is elicited from the darkest storm.--COLTON.

In the day of prosperity we have many refuges to resort to; in the day of adversity only one.--HORATIUS BONAR.

Little minds are tamed and subdued by misfortunes; but great minds rise above them.--WASHINGTON IRVING.

A wretched soul, bruis'd with adversity, We bid be quiet when we hear it cry; But were we burden'd with like weight of pain, As much, or more, we should ourselves complain.

--SHAKESPEARE.

Heaven is not always angry when he strikes, But most chastises those whom most he likes.

--POMFRET.

The fire of my adversity has purged the ma.s.s of my acquaintance.