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

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.

At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy read more

At twenty a man is full of fight and hope. He wants to reform the world. When he is seventy he still wants to reform the world, but he knows he can't.

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.

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.

A conservative is someone who believes in reform. But not now.

A conservative is someone who believes in reform. But not now.

Grant that the old Adam in these persons may be so buried, that
the new man may be raised read more

Grant that the old Adam in these persons may be so buried, that
the new man may be raised up in them.

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

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.