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.

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.

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.

Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.

Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.

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.

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.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

The church is always trying to get other people to reform; it might not be a bad idea to reform read more

The church is always trying to get other people to reform; it might not be a bad idea to reform itself.

Every reform needs examples more than advocates

Every reform needs examples more than advocates