Hosea Ballou Quotes

He who is not just is severe, he who is not wise is sad.

A great deal may be done by severity, more by love, but most by clear discernment and impartial justice.

All my experience of the world teaches me that in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the safe and just side of a question is the generous and merciful side.

Society needs both justice and compassion, a head and a heart, if it is to be civilised.

Let not the hatred of others make you avoid justice.

Justice-august and pure, the abstract idea of all that would be perfect in the spirits and the inspirations of men!-where the mind rises; where the heart expands; where the countenance is ever placid and benign; where her favorite attitude is to stoop to the unfortunate; to hear their cry and to help them; to rescue and relieve; to succor and save; majestic, from its mercy; venerable, from its Lutility; uplifted, without pride; firm without obduracy; beneficent in each preference; lovely, though in her frown!

Take care that no one hates you justly.

The essence of justice is mercy.

The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom.

A little bit of mercy makes the world less cold and more just.

Only a fool permits the letter of the law to override the spirit in the heart. Do not let a piece of paper stand in the way of true love and headlines.

Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends.

This hour we are stretching forth our hands with the desire to teach the world the true principles of mercy and justice.

It is not from reason that justice springs, but goodness is born of wisdom.

A policy of humanity; a policy not of party, sect or creed; but of justice, of reason and mercy

Rather than regarding them [French] as a 'lawless vagabond Banditti' to be driven out at gunpoint, treat them with Christian kindness and to provide them with 'protection in their civil rights' as British subjects

A king who desires his own welfare must always forgive litigants, infants, aged and sick men, who inveigh against him.

Justice and good will outlast passion.

Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice. Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love

Mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.

In order to deal justly and equitably with your subjects, be straightforward and firm, turning neither to the right hand nor to the left, but always following what is just, and upholding the cause of the poor till the truth be made clear.

Justice is charity in accordance with wisdom.

Compassion towards the wicked – is cruelty to all beings.

Compassion is no substitute for justice.

I just want people to be equal and fair to each other.