Noah Webster quotes

Noah Webster was an American lexicographer and language reformer, widely recognized for his influential dictionaries. His work shaped American English spelling, education, and identity. He transformed the nation’s approach to language by standardizing grammar and vocabulary. Here are 13 of his quotes:

There iz no alternativ. Every possible reezon that could ever be offered for altering the spelling of wurds, stil exists in full force; and if a gradual reform should not be made in our language, it wil proov that we are less under the influence of reezon than our ancestors. (Noah Webster)
The American states have gone far in assisting the progress of truth; but they have stopped short of perfection. They ought to have given every honest citizen an equal right to enjoy his religion and an equal title to all civil emoluments, without obliging him to tell his religion. Every interference of the civil power in regulating opinion, is an impious attempt to take the business of the Deity out of his own hands; and every preference given to any religious denomination, is so far slavery and bigotry. View quote
Noah Webster
All the miseries and evils which men suffer from vice, crime, ambition, injustice, oppression, slavery and war, proceed from their despising or neglecting the precepts contained in the Bible. View quote
Noah Webster
When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country. View quote
Noah Webster
No truth is more evident to my mind than that the Christian religion must be the basis of any government intended to secure the rights and privileges of a free people. View quote
Noah Webster
It is the sincere desire of the writer that our citizens should early understand that the genuine source of correct republican principles is the bible, particularly the New Testament or the Christian religion. View quote
Noah Webster
The Bible must be considered as the great source of all the truth by which men are to be guided in government as well as in all social transactions. View quote
Noah Webster
The heart should be cultivated with more assiduity than the head. View quote
Noah Webster
In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate - look to his character. View quote
Noah Webster
Unaffected modesty is the sweetest charm of female excellence, the richest gem in the diadem of her honor. View quote
Noah Webster
Before a standing army can rule, the people must be disarmed; as they are in almost every kingdom in Europe. The supreme power in America cannot enforce unjust laws by the sword; because the whole body of the people are armed, and constitute a force superior to any band of regular troops that can be, on any pretense, raised in the United States. A military force, at the command of Congress, can execute no laws, but such as the people perceive to be just and constitutional; for they will possess the power, and jealousy will instantly inspire the inclination, to resist the execution of a law which appears to them unjust and oppressive. (Noah Webster)
In my view, the Christian religion is the most important and one of the first things in which all children, under a free government ought to be instructed. View quote
Noah Webster
The ecclesiastical establishments of Europe which serve to support tyrannical governments are not the Christian religion but abuses and corruptions of it. View quote
Noah Webster