David Thomas (born 1813)

Unselfish and noble acts are the most radiant epochs in the biography of souls.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

Amusements are to religion like breezes of air to the flame; gentle ones will fan it, but strong ones will put it out.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

How free from every thing like art were the reasonings and language of Christ.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

A great man, I take it, is a man so inspired and permeated with the ideas of God and the Christly spirit as to be too magnanimous for vengeance, and too unselfish to seek his own ends.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

Every sinful act is another cord woven into that mighty cable of habit, which binds the spirit to the throne of darkness.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

The Divine government of the world is like a stream that rolls under us; men are only as bubbles that rise on its surface; some are brighter and larger, and sparkle longer in the sun than others; but all must break; whilst the mighty current rolls on in its wonted majesty!

— David Thomas (born 1813)

The life of a godly man is like a river, not like a stagnant pool or a dead sea. It is ever in motion, sometimes sparkling in the sunbeam, and sometimes shivering in the clouds; sometimes chanting through scenery as beautiful as Eden, and sometimes moaning through districts of miserable desolation; sometimes clear as the day, and sometimes black as the night. Still it is ever moving to its ocean destiny — progress is its law, infinitude is its home.

— David Thomas (born 1813)

Truth does not require your painting, brother; it is itself beauty. Unfold it, and men will be captivated. Take your brush to set off the rainbow, or give a new tinge of splendor to the setting sun, but keep it away from the "Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley."

— David Thomas (born 1813)