William Ellery Channing Quotations | Page 2

O God, animate us to cheerfulness! May we have a joyful sense of our blessings, learn to look on the bright circumstances of our lot, and maintain a perpetual contentedness

Let every man, if possible, gather some good books under his roof.

The cry has been that when war is declared, all opposition should therefore be hushed. A sentiment more unworthy of a free country could hardly be propagated. If the doctrine be admitted, rulers have only to declare war and they are screened at once from scrutiny. . . . In war, then, as in peace, assert the freedom of speech and of the press. Cling to this as the bulwark of all our rights and privileges.

All noble enthusiasms pass through a feverish stage, and grow wiser and more serene

How easy to be amiable in the midst of happiness and success.

Every mind was made for growth, for knowledge, and its nature is sinned against when it is doomed to ignorance.

He who is false to the present duty breaks a thread in the loom, and you will see the effect when the weaving of a life-time is unraveled.

It is far more important to me to preserve an unblemished conscience than to compass any object however great.

One good anecdote is worth a volume of biography.

Undoubtedly a man is to labor to better his condition, but first to better himself.