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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

To reform a man, you must begin with his grandmother.

To reform a man, you must begin with his grandmother.

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, 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.