Sydney Smith

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.

It is always right that a man should be able to render a reason for the faith that is within read more

It is always right that a man should be able to render a reason for the faith that is within him.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.

Life is to be fortified by many friendships. To love and be loved is the greatest happiness of existence.

Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? how did
it exist? I am glad I read more

Thank God for tea! What would the world do without tea? how did
it exist? I am glad I was not born before tea.

Learn from the earliest days to insure your principles against the perils of ridicule; you can no more exercise your read more

Learn from the earliest days to insure your principles against the perils of ridicule; you can no more exercise your reason if you live in the constant dread of laughter, that you can enjoy your life if you are in the constant terror of death.