Quotes from Tryon Edwards

Apothegms are the wisdom of the past condensed for the instruction and guidance of the present.

Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow up.

Anxiety is the poison of human life; the parent of many sins and of more miseries. In a world where everything is doubtful, and where we may be disappointed, and be blessed in disappointment, why this restless stir and commotion of mind? Can it alter the cause, or unravel the mystery of human events?

Between two evils, choose neither between two goods, choose both.

Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another -- too often ending in the loss of both.

Credulity is belief in slight evidence, with no evidence, or against evidence.

He that never changes his opinions, never corrects his mistakes, will never be wiser on the morrow than he is today.

He who can suppress a moment's anger may prevent a day of sorrow.

Hell is truth seen too lateduty neglected in its season.

Most of our censure of others is only oblique praise of self, uttered to show the wisdom and superiority of the speaker. It has all the invidiousness of self-praise, and all the ill-desert of falsehood.

Quiet and sincere sympathy is often the most welcome and efficient consolation to the afflicted. Said a wise man to one in deep sorrow, I did not come to comfort you God only can do that but I did come to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your affliction.

Science has sometimes been said to be opposed to faith, and inconsistent with it. But all science, in fact, rests on a basis of faith, for it assumes the permanence and uniformity of natural laws -- a thing which can never be demonstrated.

Thoughts lead on to purposes purposes go forth in action actions form habits habits decide character and character fixes our destiny.

To be good, we must do good; and by doing good we take a sure means of being good, as the use and exercise of the muscles increase their power.

To rejoice in another's prosperity is to give content to your lot; to mitigate another's grief is to alleviate or dispel your own.

To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully.

Prejudices are rarely overcome by argument; not being founded in reason they cannot be destroyed by logic.

My books are my tools, and the greater their variety and perfection the greater the help to my literary work.

Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another--too often ending in the loss of both.

Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads on to actions, actions form habits, habits decide character, and character fixes our destiny.

Duty performed gives clearness and firmness to faith, and faith thus strengthened through duty becomes the more assured and satisfying to the soul.

We weep over the graves of infants and the little ones taken from us by death; but an early grave may be the shortest way to heaven.

Sin with the multitude, and your responsibility and guilt are as great and as truly personal, as if you alone had done the wrong

To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully.