It is not what a lawyer tells me I may do; but what humanity, reason, and justice tell me I ought to do.

A speculative despair is unpardonable where it our duty to act.

The people of England well know that the idea of inheritance furnishes a sure principle of conservation and a sure principle of transmission, without at all excluding a principle of improvement.

He that struggles with us strengthens our nerves, and sharpens our skill. Our antagonist is our helper.

The effect of liberty to individuals is that they may do what they please: we ought to see what it will please them to do, before we risk congratulations.

Our patience will achieve more than our force.

Is it in destroying and pulling down that skill is displayed? The shallowest understanding, the rudest hand, is more than equal to that task.