"Tryon Edwards" (1809–1894) was an American theologian, best known for compiling A Dictionary of Thoughts, a book of quotations. [But see note in Talk section.] He published the works of Jonathan Edwards (the younger) in 1842. He also compiled and published the sixteen sermons of his great grandfather, Jonathan Edwards, on 1 Corinthians 13, the "Love Chapter", titling the book "Charity And Its Fruits; Christian love as manifested in the heart and life", which thought by some to be the most thorough analysis of the text of 1 Corinthians 13 ever written. An original quote of Tryon Edwards is: “Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny.” ~ Tyrone Edwards

He was minister of the Second Congregational Church in New London, Connecticut, from 1845-1857, after having served in Rochester, New York.

Some representative entries from A Dictionary of Thoughts are:

*"Between two evils, choose neither; between two goods, choose both."

*"The first step to improvement, whether mental, moral, or religious, is to know ourselves--our weaknesses, errors, deficiencies, and sins, that, by divine grace, we may overcome and turn from them all."

If you enjoy these quotes, be sure to check out other famous theologians! More Tryon Edwards on Wikipedia.

Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.

Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.

Prejudices are rarely overcome by argument; not being founded in reason they cannot be destroyed by logic.

To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully.

The great end of education is to discipline rather than to furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulation of others.

Hell is truth seen too late - duty neglected in its season.

If you would thoroughly know anything, teach it to others.

Anxiety is the poison of human life; the parent of many sins and of more miseries. In a world where everything is doubtful, and where we may be disappointed, and be blessed in disappointment, why this restless stir and commotion of mind? Can it alter the cause, or unravel the mystery of human events?

The secret of a good memory is attention, and attention to a subject depends upon our interest in it. We rarely forget that which has made a deep impression on our minds.

Compromise is but the sacrifice of one right or good in the hope of retaining another--too often ending in the loss of both.

Quiet and sincere sympathy is often the most welcome and efficient consolation to the afflicted. Said a wise man to one in deep sorrow, 'I did not come to comfort you; God only can do that; but I did come to say how deeply and tenderly I feel for you in your affliction'.

Thoughts lead on to purpose, purpose leads on to actions, actions form habits, habits decide character, and character fixes our destiny.

He who can suppress a moment's anger may prevent a day of sorrow.

Where duty is plain, delay is both foolish and hazardous; where it is not, delay may provide both wisdom and safety.

To be good, we must do good; and by doing good we take a sure means of being good, as the use and exercise of the muscles increase their power.