John Selden Quotes

No man is the wiser for his learning.

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

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.

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.

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

Marriage is a desperate thing.

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.

Never tell your resolution beforehand.

'Tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.

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

Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.

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

Philosophy is nothing but discretion.

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.