A beast does not know that he is a beast, and the nearer a man gets to being a beast, the less he knows it.
George MacDonald

Afflictions are but the shadows of God's wings.
George MacDonald

Age is not all decay; it is the ripening, the swelling, of the fresh life within, that withers and bursts the husk.
George MacDonald

Anything large enough for a wish to light upon, is large enough to hang a prayer upon.
George MacDonald

Attitudes are more important than facts.
George MacDonald

Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacDonald

Forgiveness is the giving, and so the receiving, of life.
George MacDonald

Friends, if we be honest with ourselves, we shall be honest with each other.
George MacDonald

How strange this fear of death is! We are never frightened at a sunset.
George MacDonald

I find that doing of the will of God leaves me no time for disputing about His plans.
George MacDonald

If instead of a gem, or even a flower, we should cast the gift of a loving thought into the heart of a friend, that would be giving as the angels give.
George MacDonald

It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
George MacDonald

It is not the cares of today, but the cares of tomorrow, that weigh a man down.
George MacDonald

It is our best work that God wants, not the dregs of our exhaustion. I think he must prefer quality to quantity.
George MacDonald

It matters little where a man may be at this moment; the point is whether he is growing.
George MacDonald

Love is the opener as well as closer of eyes.
George MacDonald

Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best; God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best, and man will not take it.
George MacDonald

Many a thief is a better man than many a clergyman, and miles nearer to the gate of the kingdom.
George MacDonald

The best preparation for the future is the present well seen to, and the last duty done.
George MacDonald

The first thing a kindness deserves is acceptance, the second, transmission.
George MacDonald