Corrupt influence is itself the perennial spring of all prodigality, and of all disorder; it loads us more than millions of debt; takes away vigor from our arms, wisdom from our councils, and every shadow of authority and credit from the most venerable parts of our constitution.

Humanity cannot be degraded by humiliation.

Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.

All human laws are, properly speaking, only declaratory; they may alter the mode and application, but have no power over the substance of original justice.

A nation without means of reform is without means of survival.

Government is the exercise of all the great qualities of the human mind.

But the age of chivalry is gone. That of sophisters, economists, and calculators has succeeded; and the glory of Europe is extinguished forever.