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 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. 
A conservative is someone who believes in reform. But not now.
A conservative is someone who believes in reform. But not now.
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
The race could save one-half its wasted labor Would each reform himself and spare his neighbor.
The race could save one-half its wasted labor Would each reform himself and spare his neighbor.
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.
Nothing so needs reforming as other people's habits.
What is a man born for but to be a reformer, a remaker of what has been made, a denouncer read more
What is a man born for but to be a reformer, a remaker of what has been made, a denouncer of lies, a restorer of truth and good?
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.
All reformers are bachelors.
All reformers are bachelors.
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