The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

absolute power, is the same in a majority of a popular assembly, an aristocratic council, an
oligarchical junto, and a single emperor.
Letter to Thomas Jefferson, 13 November 1815
1.14 John Quincy Adams 1767-1848
Think of your forefathers! Think of your posterity!
‘Oration at Plymouth’ 22 December 1802, p. 6
Fiat justitia, pereat coelum [Let justice be done though heaven fall]. My toast would be, may
our country be always successful, but whether successful or otherwise, always right.
Letter to John Adams, 1 August 1816
1.15 Samuel Adams 1722-1803
What a glorious morning for America.
On hearing gunfire at Lexington, 19 April 1775
We cannot make events. Our business is wisely to improve them....Mankind are governed more
by their feelings than by reason. Events which excite those feelings will produce wonderful
effects.
In J. N. Rakove ‘The Beginnings of National Politics’ (1979) p. 92
A nation of shop-keepers are very seldom so disinterested.
‘Oration in Philadelphia’ 1 August 1776 (the authenticity of this publication is doubtful).
1.16 Sarah Flower Adams 1805-48
Nearer, my God, to thee,
Nearer to thee!
‘Nearer My God to Thee’ in W. G. Fox ‘Hymns and Anthems’ (1841)
1.17 Harold Adamson 1906-80
Comin’ in on a wing and a pray’r.
Title of song (1943)
1.18 Joseph Addison 1672-1719
He more had pleased us, had he pleased us less.
‘An Account of the Greatest English Poets’ (referring to Cowley)
’Twas then great Marlbro’s mighty soul was proved.
‘The Campaign’ (1705) l. 279
And, pleased th’ Almighty’s orders to perform,
Rides in the whirl-wind, and directs the storm.
‘The Campaign’ (1705) l. 291
And those who paint ’em truest praise ’em most.
‘The Campaign’ (1705) l. 476
’Tis not in mortals to command success,