It is useful that while mankind are imperfect there should be different opinions, so is it that there should be different experiments of living; that free scope should be given to varieties of character, short of injury to others.

Popular opinions, on subjects not palpable to sense, are often true, but seldom or never the whole truth.

A party of order or stability, and a party of progress or reform, are both necessary elements of a healthy state of political life.

It is given to no human being to stereotype a set of truths, and walk safely by their guidance with his mind's eye closed.

As for charity, it is a matter in which the immediate effect on the persons directly concerned, and the ultimate consequence to the general good, are apt to be at complete war with one another.

Both teachers and learners go to sleep at their post as soon as there is no enemy in the field.

There is one characteristic of the present direction of public opinion, peculiarly calculated to make it intolerant of any marked demonstration of individuality. The general average of mankind are not only moderate in intellect, but also moderate in inclinations: they have no tastes or wishes strong enough to incline them to do anything unusual, and they consequently do not understand those who have, and class all such with the wild and intemperate whom they are accustomed to look down upon.