The word heretic ought to be a term of honour.

Idle and meaningless ... a form less solemn to me than the affirmation I would have reverently made.

Atheist, without God, I look to humankind for sympathy, for love, for hope, for effort, for aid.

There is a court to which I shall appeal: the court of public opinion.

I know not what you mean by God; the word God is to me a sound conveying no clear or distinct affirmation.

The House, being strong, should be generous ... but the constituents have a right to more than generosity.... The law gives me my seat. In the name of the law I ask for it. I regret that my personality overshadows the principles involved in this great struggle; but I would ask those who have touched my life, not knowing it, who have found for me vices which I do not remember in the memory of my life, I would ask them whether all can afford to cast the first stone ... then that, as best judges, they will vacate their own seats, having deprived my constituents of their right here to mine.

Is poverty of spirit the chief amongst virtues, that Jesus gives it prime place in his teachings? Is it even a virtue at all? Surely not. Manliness of spirit, honesty of spirit, fullness of rightful purpose, these are virtues; poverty of spirit is a crime.