It is characteristic of genius to be hopeful and aspiring. It is characteristic of genius to break up the artificial arrangements of conventionalism, and to view mankind in true perspective, in their gradations of inherent rather than of adventitious worth. Genius is therefore essentially democratic, and has always been so.

If a test of civilization be sought, none can be so sure as the condition of that half of society over which the other half has power.

The voice of a whole people goes up in the silent workings of an institution.

I have no sympathy for those who, under any pressure of circumstances, sacrifice their heart's-love for legal prostitution.

The sick-room becomes the scene of intense convictions; and among these, none, it seems to me, is more distinct and powerful than that of the permanent nature of good, and the transient nature of evil.

influence which is given on the side of money is usually against truth.

Laws and customs may be creative of vice; and should be therefore perpetually under process of observation and correction: but laws and customs cannot be creative of virtue: they may encourage and help to preserve it; but they cannot originate it.