William Penn Quotes - Page 10

False-dealing travels a short road, and surely detected.

There is nothing of which we are apt to be so lavish as of time, and about which we ought to be more solicitous; since without it we can do nothing in this world.

No religion is better than an unnatural one.

There is a troublesome humor some men have, that if they may not lead, they will not follow; but had rather a thing were never done, than not done their own way, tho' other ways very desirable.

For disappointments, that come not by our own folly, they are the trials or corrections of Heaven: and it is our own fault, if they prove not our advantage.

It is not only a troublesome but slavish to be nice [fastidious].

Where judgment has wit to express it, there's the best orator.

Less judgment than wit is more sail than ballast. Yet it must be confessed that wit given an edge to sense, and recommends it extremely.

Some men do as much begrudge others a good name, as they want one themselves: and perhaps that is the reason of it.

Never chide with anger, but instruction.

Hasty resolutions are of the nature of vows, and to be equally avoided.

'Tis no sin to be tempted, but to be overcome.

The public must and will be served.

It is the difference betwixt lust and love that this is fixed, that volatile. Love grows, lust wastes by enjoyment.

A private Life is to be preferrd; the Honour and Gain of publick Posts, bearing no proportion with the Comfort of it.

Wherefore, brethren, let us be careful neither to out-go our guide, nor yet loiter behind him; since he that makes haste, may miss his way, and he that stays behind, lose his guide.

Many able Gardeners and Husbandmen are yet Ignorant of the Reason of their Calling; as most Artificers are of the Reason of their own Rules that govern their excellent Workmanship. But a Naturalist and Mechanick of this sort is Master of the Reason of both, and might be of the Practice too, if his Industry kept pace with his Speculation; which were every commendable; and without which he cannot be said to be a complete Naturalist or Mechanick.

If we are but sure the end is right, we are too apt to gallop over all bounds to compass it; not considering the lawful ends may be very unlawfully attained.

It is the amends of a short and troublesome life, that doing good and suffering ill entitles man to a longer and better.

It is a coal from God's altar must kindle our fire; and without fire, true fire, no acceptable sacrifice.

Excess in apparel is another costly folly. The very trimming of the vain world would clothe all the naked ones.

It were endless to dispute upon everything that is disputable.

Only trust thyself, and another shall not betray thee.

But make not more business necessary than is so; and rather lessen than augment work for thyself.

Content not thyself that thou art virtuous in the general; for one link being wanting, the chain is defective.