All zeal for a reform, that gives offence
To peace and charity, is mere pretence.

All zeal for a reform, that gives offence
To peace and charity, is mere pretence.

Every reformation must have its victims. You can't expect the fatted calf to share the enthusiasm of the angels over read more

Every reformation must have its victims. You can't expect the fatted calf to share the enthusiasm of the angels over the prodigal's return.

Every reform was once a private opinion, and when it shall be a private opinion again, it will solve the read more

Every reform was once a private opinion, and when it shall be a private opinion again, it will solve the problem of the age.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an excess which will itself need reforming.

Every reform, however necessary, will by weak minds be carried to an excess which will itself need reforming.

The oyster-women lock'd their fish up,
And trudged away to cry, No Bishop.

The oyster-women lock'd their fish up,
And trudged away to cry, No Bishop.

Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.

Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.

Every abuse ought to be reformed, unless the reform is more dangerous than the abuse itself.

Every abuse ought to be reformed, unless the reform is more dangerous than the abuse itself.

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, read more

I do not mean to be disrespectful, but the attempt of the Lords
to stop the progress of reform, reminds me very forcibly of the
great storm of Sidmouth, and of the conduct of the excellent Mrs.
Partington on that occasion. In the winter of 1824, there set in
a great flood upon that town--the tide rose to an incredible
height: the waves rushed in upon the houses, and everything was
threatened with destruction. In the midst of this sublime and
terrible storm, Dame Partington, who lived upon the beach, was
seen at the door of her house with mop and pattens, trundling her
mop, squeezing out the sea water, and vigorously pushing away the
Atlantic Ocean. The Atlantic was roused. Mrs. Partington's
spirit was up; but I need not tell you that the contest was
unequal. The Atlantic Ocean beat Mrs. Partington. She was
excellent at a slop or a puddle, but she should not have meddled
with a tempest.