John Selden Quotes - Page 2

Casting out devils is mere juggling; they never cast out any but what they first cast in.

The House of Commons is called the Lower House, in twenty Acts of Parliament; but what are twenty Acts of Parliament amongst Friends?

In a troubled state we must do as in foul weather upon a river, not think to cut directly through, for the boat may be filled with water; but rise and fall as the waves do, and give way as much as we conveniently can.

He that hath a scrupulous conscience is like a horse that is not well weighed; he starts at every bird that flies out of the hedge.

We measure the excellency of other men by some excellency we conceive to be in ourselves.

Twas an unhappy Division that has been made between Faith and Works; though in my Intellect I may divide them, just as in the Candle I know there is both Light and Heat. But yet, put out the Candle, and they are both gone.

The law against witches does not prove there be any; but it punishes the malice of those people that use such means to take away men's lives.

We see the judges look like lions, but we do not see who moves them.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practise, and yet every body is content to hear. The master thinks it good doctrine for his servant, the laity for the clergy, and the clergy for the laity.

Few men make themselves masters of the things they write or speak.

A glorious Church is like a magnificent feast; there is all the variety that may be, but every one chooses out a dish or two that he likes, and lets the rest alone: how glorious soever the Church is, every one chooses out of it his own religion, by which he governs himself, and lets the rest alone.

Idolatry is in a man's own thought, not in the opinion of another.

Ceremony keeps up things: 'tis like a penny glass to a rich spirit, or some excellent water; without it the water were spilt, and the spirit lost.

Women ought not to know their own wit, because they will still be showing it, and so spoil it.

Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.

Fine wits destroy themselves with their own plots, in meddling with great affairs of state.

While you are upon earth, enjoy the good things that are here (to that end were they given), and be not melancholy, and wish yourself in heaven.

In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.

A gallant man is above ill words.

Preaching, in the first sense of the word, ceased as soon as ever the gospel was written.

A king is a thing men have made for their own sakes, for quietness sake. Just as in a family one man is appointed to buy the meat.

Pleasures are all alike simply considered in themselves: he that hunts, or he that governs the commonwealth, they both please themselves alike, only we commend that, whereby we ourselves receive some benefit.

The world cannot be governed without juggling.

Philosophy is nothing but discretion.

Pride may be allowed to this or that degree, else a man cannot keep up dignity. In gluttony there must be eating, in drunkenness there must be drinking; 'tis not the eating, and 'tis not the drinking that must be blamed, but the excess. So in pride.