Charlotte Bronte Quotes

Firm, faithful, and devoted, full of energy and zeal, and truth, he labors for his race; he clears their painful way to improvement; he hews down like a giant the prejudices of creed and caste that encumber it. He may be stern; he may be exacting; he may be ambitious yet; but his is the sternness of the warrior Greatheart, who guards his pilgrim convoy from the onslaught of Apollyon. His is the exaction of the apostle, who speaks but for Christ, when he says, "Whosoever will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me." His is the ambition of the high master-spirit, which aims to fill a place in the first rank of those who are redeemed from the earth -- who stand without fault before the throne of God, who share the last mighty victories of the Lamb, who are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Life is so constructed, that the event does not, cannot, will not, match the expectation.

One does not jump, and spring, and shout Hurrah! at hearing one has got a fortune. One begins to consider responsibilities and to ponder business; on a base of steady satisfaction rise certain grave cares, and we contain ourselves, and brood over our bliss with a solemn brow.

Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste.

It is doubtful if any gift could be brought more precious than the adoration of a heart which has put out all hatred, self-pity and desire for revenge.

It is vain to say human beings ought to be satisfied with tranquility: they must have action; and they will make it if they cannot find it.

One does not jump, and spring, and shout hurrah! at hearing one has got a fortune, one begins to consider responsibilities, and to ponder business; on a base of steady satisfaction rise certain grave cares, and we contain ourselves, and brood over our bliss with a solemn brow.

If we would build on a sure foundation in friendship, we must love friends for their sake rather than for our own.

Consistency, madam, is the first of Christian duties.

Conventionality is not morality. self- righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last. To pluck the mask from the face of the Pharisee is not to lift an impious hand to the Crown of Thorns.