derations, but such as
may promote its views. In its zeal for the attainment of its end, it
is not delicate in the choice of means. As it closes the heart, so
also it clouds the understanding. It cannot discern between right and
wrong; it takes evil for good, and good for evil; it calls darkness
light, and light darkness. Beware, then, of the beginning of
covetousness, for you know not where it will end.--BISHOP MANT.

The covetous person lives as if the world were made altogether for
him, and not he for the world; to take in everything, and part with
nothing.--SOUTH.

Covetous men are fools, miserable wretches, buzzards, madmen, who live
by themselves, in perpetual slavery, fear, suspicion, sorrow,
discontent, with more of gall than honey in their enjoyments; who are
rather possessed by their money than possessors of it.--BURTON.

Why are we so blind? That which we improve, we have, that which we
hoard is not for ourselves.--MADAME DELUZY.

If money be not thy servant, it will be thy master. The covetous man
cannot so properly be said to possess wealth, as that it may be said
to possess him.--BACON.

Those who give not till they die show that they would not then if
they could keep it any longer.--BISHOP HALL.

CRITICISM.--He whose first emotion, on the view of an excellent
production, is to undervalue it, will never have one of his own to
show.--AIKEN.

Neither praise nor blame is the object of true criticism. Justly to
discriminate, firmly to establish, wisely to prescribe and honestly to
award--these are the true aims and duties of criticism.--SIMMS.

Censure and criticism never hurt anybody. If false, they can't hurt
you unless you are wanting in manly character; and if true, they show
a man his weak points, and forewarn him against failure and
trouble.--GLADSTONE.

It is easy to criticise an author, but it is difficult to appreciate
him.--VAUVENARGUES.

It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.--BEACONSFIELD.

There is a certain meddlesome spirit, which, in the garb of learned
research, goes prying about the traces of history, casting down its
monuments, and marring and mutilating its fairest trophies. Care
should be taken to vindicate great names from such pernicious
erudition.--WASHINGTON IRVING.

He who would reproach an author for obscurity should look into his own
mind to see whether it is quite clear there. In the dusk the plainest
writing is illegible.--GOETHE.

A man must