These are the times that try men's souls. The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion. Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. Man must go back to nature for information. I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm, and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death. Honest men are the soft, easy cushions on which knaves repose and fatten. Character is much easier kept than recovered. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem to lightly. The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. All national institutions of churches, whether Jewish, Christian, or Turkish, appear to me no other than human inventions, set up to terrify and enslave mankind, and monopolize power and profit. | 
