At present the globe goes with a shattered constitution in its orbit.... No doubt the simple powers of nature, properly directed by man, would make it healthy and a paradise; as the laws of man's own constitution but wait to be obeyed, to restore him to health and happiness.

There is a slumbering subterranean fire in nature which never goes out, and which no cold can chill.

Much of our poetry has the very best manners, but no character.

Enemies publish themselves. They declare war. The friend never declares his love.

Faith, indeed, is all the reform that is needed; it is itself a reform.

If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law.

Write while the heat is in you. The writer who postpones the recording of his thoughts uses an iron which has cooled to burn a hole with. He cannot inflame the minds of his audience.