"Among democratic nations... men easily attain a certain equality of condition, but they can never attain as much as they desire. It perpetually retires before them, yet without hiding itself from their sight, and in retiring draws them on" (Prologue, p. 3).

"What could be more quaint than to seek the roots of American identity in colonial New England, the land of Puritans, Salem witches, the Mayflower and Plymouth Rock" (Chapter 1, p. 15).

"There is 'not an opinion, not a custom, not a law' that New England origin of American civilization does not explain" (Chapter 1, p. 15).

"Thou hangest but by one rotten twined thread...over the flames of hell" (Chapter 1, p. 21).

"What we know of the culture of early New England suggests that most people believed that even the smallest event were evidence of the power and judgment of... God" (Chapter 1, p. 23).

"To love and live beloved is the soul's...