Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

S. Austin Allibone, comp. Prose Quotations from Socrates to Macaulay. 1880.

Simplicity

Upright simplicity is the deepest wisdom, and perverse craft the merest shallowness.

Genuine simplicity of heart is a healing and cementing principle.

Simplicity is that grace which frees the soul from all unnecessary reflections upon itself.

Purity and simplicity are the two wings with which man soars above the earth and all temporary nature. Simplicity is in the intention, purity in the affection: simplicity turns to God; purity unites with and enjoys Him. If thou hadst simplicity and purity thou wouldst be able to comprehend all things without error, and behold them without danger. The pure heart safely pervades not only heaven but hell.

Simplicity is the character of the spring of life, costliness becomes its autumn; but a neatness and purity, like that of the snowdrop or lily of the valley, is the peculiar fascination of beauty, to which it lends enchantment, and gives a charm even to a plain person, being to the body what amiability is to the mind…. In character, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.

There is a majesty in simplicity which is far above the quaintness of wit.