Edwin Hubbell Chapin (1814 – 1880)
Universalist minister who became famed as an orator in the 1840s.
The creed of a true saint is to make the best of life, and to make the most of it.
Whatever touches the nerves of motive, whatever shifts man's moral position, is mightier than steam, or calorie, or lightening.
Consider and act with reference to the true ends of existence. This world is but the vestibule of an immortal life. Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.
There are interests by the sacrifice of which peace is too dearly purchased. One should never be at peace to the shame of his own soul — to the violation of his integrity or of his allegiance to God.
Bigotry dwarfs the soul by shutting out the truth.
A great many men — some comparatively small men now — if put in the right position, would be Luthers and Columbuses.
There is no tariff so injurious as that with which sectarian bigotry guards its commodities. It dwarfs the soul by shutting out truths from other continents of thought, and checks the circulation of its own.
Do not judge from mere appearances; for the lift laughter that bubbles on the lip often mantles over the depths of sadness, and the serious look may be the sober veil that covers a divine peace and joy. The bosom can ache beneath diamond brooches; and many a blithe heart dances under coarse wool.
Under the shadow of earthly disappointment, all unconscious to ourselves, our Divine Redeemer is walking by our side.
Profaneness is a brutal vice. He who indulges in it is no gentleman.
This is the essential evil of vice, that it debases man.
The essence of justice is mercy.
Fashion is the science of appearances, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be.
Neutral men are the devil's allies.
Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy.
Tribulation will not hurt you, unless as it too often does; it hardens you and makes you sour, narrow and skeptical.