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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.
To reform a man, you must begin with his grandmother.
To reform a man, you must begin with his grandmother.
He who reforms himself has done more toward reforming the public than a crowd of noisy, impotent patriots
He who reforms himself has done more toward reforming the public than a crowd of noisy, impotent patriots
Reform is born of need, not pity. No vital movement of the people has worked down, for good or evil; read more
Reform is born of need, not pity. No vital movement of the people has worked down, for good or evil; fermented, instead, carried up the heaving, cloggy mass.
The best reformers the world has ever seen are those who commence on themselves
The best reformers the world has ever seen are those who commence on themselves
My desolation does begin to make
A better life.
My desolation does begin to make
A better life.
The race could save one-half its wasted labor Would each reform himself and spare his neighbor.
The race could save one-half its wasted labor Would each reform himself and spare his neighbor.
One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be read more
One of the greatest delusions in the world is the hope that the evils in this world are to be cured by legislation.
Reform must come from within, not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue.
Reform must come from within, not from without. You cannot legislate for virtue.
