Charlotte Brontë

These things and deeds are diametrically opposed: they are as distinct as is vice from virtue. Men too often confound them: they should not be confounded

Conventionality is not morality. Self-righteousness is not religion. To attack the first is not to assail the last.

But two miles more, and then we rest! Well, there is still an hour of day, And long the brightness of the West Will light us on our devious way; Sit then, awhile, here in this wood— So total is the solitude,

What is this Hebrew Christ? To me unknown, His lineage—doctrine—mission—yet how clear, Is God-like goodness, in his actions shewn! How straight and stainless is his life's career! The ray of Deity that rests on him, In my eyes makes …

We wove a web in childhood, A web of sunny air; We dug a spring in infancy Of water pure and fair;We sowed in youth a mustard seed, We cut an almond rod; We are now grown up to riper age—

I avoid looking forward or backward, and try to keep looking upward.

I feel that this also is true; but, dear Sir, is not the real experience of each individual very limited? And, if a writer dwells upon that solely or principally, is he not in danger of repeating himself, and also of becoming an egotist? …

Laws and principles are not for the times when there is no temptation: they are for such moments as this, when body and soul rise in mutiny against their rigour ... If at my convenience I might break them, what would be their worth?