John Selden Quotes

Of all actions of a man's life his marriage does least concern other people, yet of all actions of our life 'tis most meddled with by other people.

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.

The parish makes the constable, and when the constable is made he governs the parish.

Never king dropped out of the clouds.

Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.

They that govern the most make the least noise.

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

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.

Marriage is a desperate thing.

Ignorance of the law excuses no man; not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to refute him.

Preachers say, Do as I say, not as I do.

Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.

You will want a book which contains not man's thoughts, but God's — not a book that may amuse you, but a book that can save you — not even a book that can instruct you, but a book on which you can venture an eternity — not only a book which can give relief to your spirit, but redemption to your soul — a book which contains salvation, and conveys it to you, one which shall at once be the Saviour's book and the sinner's.

Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet.