Quotes from George MacDonald

The direst foe of courage is the fear itself, not the object of it; and the man who can overcome his own terror is a hero and more.

God never gave man a thing to do concerning which it were irreverent to ponder how the Son of God would have done it.

There are women who fly their falcons at any game, little birds and all.

Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly.

If instead of a gem, or even of a flower, we could cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving, as the angels... must give.

If instead of a gem, or even of a flower, we could cast the gift of a lovely thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving, as the angels, I suppose, must give. But you did more and better for me than that.

God left the world unfinished for man to work his skill upon. He left the electricity still in the cloud, the oil still in the earth.

Work is not always required. There is such a thing as sacred idleness.

This is and has been the Father's work from the beginning-to bring us into the home of His heart.

Whose work is it but your own to open your eyes? But indeed the business of the universe is to make such a fool out of you that you will know yourself for one, and begin to be wise.

I wondered over again for the hundredth time what could be the principle which, in the wildest, most lawless, fantastically chaotic, apparently capricious work of Nature, always kept it beautiful.

If we will but let our God and Father work His will with us, there can be no limit to His enlargement of our existence

The possession of wealth is, as it were, prepayment, and involves an obligation of honor to the doing of correspondent work.

What distressed me most - more even than my own folly - was the perplexing question, How can beauty and ugliness dwell so near?

The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.

When we are out of sympathy with the young, then I think our work in this world is over.

I believe in fate, never in chance.

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.

Friends, if we be honest with ourselves, we shall be honest with each other.

I dare not say with Paul that I am the slave of Christ, but my highest aspiration and desire is to be the slave of Christ.

We are dwellers in a divine universe where no desires are in vain - if only they be large enough.

The principle part of faith is patience.

By all means rid yourself of an impoverished faith.