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.

The hole and the patch should be commensurate.

The hole and the patch should be commensurate.

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.

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.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

My desolation does begin to make
A better life.

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.

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.

A reformer is a man who rides through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.

A reformer is a man who rides through a sewer in a glass-bottomed boat.