Tremendous as a Mexican god is a strong sense of duty—separate from an enlarged and discriminating mind, and gigantic ally disproportionate to the size of the understanding; and, if combined with obstinacy of self-opinion and indocility, it is the parent of tyranny, a promoter of inquisitorial persecution in public life, and of inconceivable misery in private families. Nay, the very virtue of the person, and the consciousness that it is sacrificing its own happiness, increases the obduracy, and selects those whom it best loves for its objects. Eoque immitior quia ipse tolerat (not toleraverat) is its inspiration and watchword.
HINTS FOR "THE FRIEND"
A nation of reformers looks like a scourer of silver-plate—black all over and dingy, with making things white and brilliant.
A joint combination of authors leagued together to declaim for or against liberty may be compared to Buffon's collection of smooth mirrors in a vast fan arranged to form one focus. May there not be gunpowder as well as corn set before it, and the latter will not thrive, but become cinders?
A good conscience and hope combined are like fine weather that reconciles travel with delight.
Great exploits and the thirst of honour which they inspire, enlarge states by enlarging hearts.