A nation of philosophers [might have no need for the steadiness of venerable institutions], but a nation of philosophers is as little to be expected as the philosophical race of kings wished for by Plato.

I have sometimes thought there could not be a stronger testimony in favor of religion or against temporal enjoyments even the most rational and manly than for men who occupy the most honorable and gainful departments and are rising in reputation and wealth, publically to declare their unsatisfactoriness by becoming fervent advocates in the cause of Christ, and I wish you may give in your evidence in this way. Such instances have seldom occurred; therefore, they would be more striking and would be instead of a 'cloud of witnesses.