“I believe one reason why such numerous instances of erudition occur among the lower ranks is, that with the same powers of mind the poor student is limited to a narrower circle for indulging his passion for books, and must necessarily make himself master of the few he possesses before he can acquire more.”—­Walter Scott.

Christians should not forget that God uses human agency in the work of salvation.  The only reason that there are not more saved, is because the people of God do not put themselves at his disposal for the work.  The Lord wants all to be saved, but they will not be saved until the people of God are willing to let the Lord use them to bring the lost unto Himself.

Deceit and falsehood, whatever conveniences they may for a time promise or produce, are, in the sum of life, obstacles to happiness.  Those who profit by the cheat distrust the deceiver; and the act by which kindness was sought puts an end to confidence.

The judges of the election can not tell the difference, when they are counting the votes, between the one cast by the minister of the gospel and the one cast by the saloon-keeper, when it has been cast for the same party.  Vote for principle rather than for party.

“Let every man,” said Sydney Smith, “be occupied in the highest employment of which his nature is capable, and die with the consciousness that he has done his best.”  If the highest employment is not to be found in our avocations, let us seek it in our leisure.

Beware of anger of the tongue; control the tongue.  Beware of anger of the mind; control the mind.  Practice virtue with thy tongue and with thy mind.  By reflection, by restraint and control, a wise man can make himself an island which no floods can overwhelm.  He who conquers himself is greater than he who in battle conquers a thousand men.  He who is tolerant with the intolerant, mild with the fault-finders, and free from passion with the passionate, him I call indeed a wise man.

Brothers, keep posted in what your lodge is doing; knowing who is sick; inquire if there is not some widow in need of help; some poor orphan that should be clothed and provided with a home and sent to school.  Remember that the widow was your brother’s wife, and the children your brother’s.  Be a brother to the widow, and a kind uncle to your brother’s children.  There is plenty of work for you, and you agreed to do it.  Cheer up the care-worn traveler on his pilgrimage—­help the weak and weary, the lonely and sad ones.  Time is passing by, and we have none too much of it in which to do our work.  Remember that if we expect to complete our labor, now is the time; soon all will be over with us, and then all that we shall leave behind, by which to be remembered, will be the good or evil we have done.  If we have done good it will be emblazoned on many hearts, and our names will be spoken of with reverence and love; but if we have done evil, our names will be blotted out of the memory of the good and true, and we despised.