Society can overlook murder, adultery or swindling; it never forgives preaching of a new gospel.

To be attached to the subdivision, to love the little platoon we belong to in society, is the first principle (the germ as it were) of public affections. It is the first link in the series by which we proceed towards a love to our country, and to mankind.

Never despair, but if you do, work on in despair.

People will not look forward to posterity, who never look backward to their ancestors.

I was imprisoned in Missouri in 1854 for preaching the gospel to Negroes, though I was never subjected to violence.

When a poor soul is somewhat awakened by the terrors of the Lord, then the poor creature, being born under the covenant of works, flies directly to a covenant of works again. And as Adam and Eve hid themselves… and sewed fig leaves… so the poor sinner, when awakened, flies to his duties and to his performances, to hide himself from God, and goes to patch up a righteousness of his own. Says he, I will be mighty good now–I will reform–I will do all I can; and then certainly Jesus Christ will have mercy on me.