James Henley Thornwell Quotes

Is there no virtue among us? If there be not, we are in a wretched situation. No theoretical checks-no form of government can render us secure. To suppose that any form of government will secure liberty or happiness without any virtue in the people, is a chimerical idea, if there be sufficient virtue and intelligence in the community, it will be exercised in the selection of these men. So that we do not depend on their virtue, or put confidence in our rulers, but in the people who are to choose them.

Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom.

Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics.

You have to have wisdom and knowledge as well as virtue to preserve your rights and liberties.

The notion that public service requires men and women of good character now seems quaint.

Ethics in government has always been important to me.

I call God to witness that as a private person I have done nothing unbeseeming an honest man, nor, as I bear the place of a public man, have I done anything unworthy of my place.

We may look up to armies for our defense, but virtue is our best security. It is not possible that any State should long remain free, where virtue is not supremely honored.

All must admit that the reception of the teachings of Christ results in the purest patriotism, in the most scrupulous fidelity to public trust, and in the best type of citizenship.

The only foundation of a free Constitution, is pure Virtue, and if this cannot be inspired into our People, in a great Measure, than they have it now. They may change their Rulers, and the forms of Government, but they will not obtain a lasting Liberty.

Liberty can no more exist without virtue and independence than the body can live and move without a soul.

A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy. While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but when once they lose their virtue then will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.

Honor is like the eye, which cannot suffer the least impurity without damage. It is a precious stone, the price of which is lessened by a single flaw.

'Tis substantially true, that virtue or morality is a necessary spring of popular government. The rule indeed extends with more or less force to every species of free Government.

There is a true glory and a true honor: the glory of duty done--the honor of the integrity of principle.

Like all virtuous people he imagines he must speak the truth.

Integrity is the evidence of all civil virtues.

Concepts of integrity and heroism and honor are still important to the world today. Some people behave well, and some people behave badly.

The most tragic thing in the world is a man of genius who is not a man of honor.

My confidence is that there will for a long time be virtue and good sense enough in our countrymen to correct abuses.

The Founders warned that a free society depends on a virtuous and moral people. The current crisis reflects that their concerns were justified.

No free government can stand without virtue in the people, and a lofty spirit of partiotism.

Truth is an homage that the good man pays to his own dignity.

With a perfect system of schools and colleges for the people, alone, can we rely for the virtuous exercise of the elective franchise, for the steady discipline of civil society and for the permanent power of order and religion over anarchy.

Might a sense of the true aims of life elevate the tone of politics and trade, till public and private honor become identical!