Thoughts lead on to purposes; purposes go forth in action; actions form habits; habits decide character; and character fixes our destiny. Tryon Edwards
From Wikipedia: Tryon Edwards (1809–1894) was an American theologian, best known for compiling A Dictionary of Thoughts, a book of quotations. He published the works of Jonathan Edwards (the younger) in 1842. He was minister of the Second Congregational Church in New London, Connecticut, from 1845-1857, after having served in Rochester, New York.
From my brief search he is portrayed as stern type of figure in this portrait. But who knows maybe that was just the artists interpretation. 
Categories: Quotes
Stories and Quotes from the Mind* and Keyboard of A.A.Forringer 
Witty observation, disparaging remark, question for A.A., well this is your chance.