Fidelity to conscience is inconsistent with retiring modesty. If it be so, let the modesty succumb. It can be only a false modesty which can be thus endangered.

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.

There have been few things in my life which have had a more genial effect on my mind than the possession of a piece of land.

What office is there which involves more responsibility, which requires more qualifications, and which ought, therefore, to be more honorable, than that of teaching?

Readers are plentiful; thinkers are rare.

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.