On the record
If not strong, pure, and upright in himself, he must not expect to find strength, purity, and uprightness in any presumption of innocence, or in any technical rule of law.
Source
gutenberg.orgEditor's note · Context
Sumner emphasizes the importance of personal integrity in public office, suggesting that one cannot expect to find virtue in others if they lack it themselves.
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Without yielding to any of these extreme views with regard to the mischiefs or the benefits of party, all should agree that the only true and legitimate object of such an association is to uphold, advance, and develop certain principles…
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They belong to a system so essentially irrational, that all the admitted virtues of many of its agents cannot save it from judgment.
Controlled by such a code, employing such representatives, sustained by such agencies, animated by such Furies, and producing such fruits of tears and bitterness, it must be open to question.
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