Though Milton was a heretic to the creed of Athanasius, his faith exceeded that of Athanasius himself; and the faith of Athanasius that of Thomas, the disciple, who with his own eyes beheld the mark of the nails.

Whence it comes that though we be all Christians now, the best of us had perhaps been otherwise in the days of Thomas.
The higher the intelligence, the more faith, and the less credulity: Gabriel rejects more than we, but out-believes us all.

The greatest marvels are first truths; and first truths the last unto which we attain.

Things nearest are furthest off.

Though your ear be next-door to your brain, it is forever removed from your sight.