John Selden
John Selden
John Seldenwas an English jurist and a scholar of England's ancient laws and constitution and scholar of Jewish law. He was known as a polymath showing true intellectual depth and breadth; John Milton hailed Selden in 1644 as "the chief of learned men reputed in this land."...
NationalityEnglish
ProfessionStatesman
Date of Birth16 December 1584
two religion church
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.
fashion men religion
Religion is like the fashion, one man wears his doublet slashed, another lashed, another plain; but every man has a doublet; so every man has a religion. We differ about the trimming.
knives religion mouths
We look after religion as the butcher did after his knife, when he had it in his mouth.
men religion matter
Men say they are of the same religion, for quietness' sake; but if the matter were well examined, you would scarce find three anywhere of the same religion on all points.
They that govern the most make the least noise.
concern life marriage tis
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.
duty resolution twice
Never tell your resolution beforehand, or it's twice asonerous a duty
drinking excess nor tis
Tis not the eating, nor 'tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess
army call heels man tis traitor
Tis not seasonable to call a man a traitor that has an army at his heels
children fine laughed learn speak tis
Tis a fine thing for children to learn to make verse; but when they come to be men, they must speak like other men, or else they will be laughed at
body content hear humanity none virtue
Humanity is a Virtue all preach, none practice, and yet every body is content to hear
life earth good-things
While you are upon the earth, enjoy the good things that are here.
people common reason
Gentelmen heve ever been more temperate in their religion than common people, as having more reason.
littles world foolery
Thou little thinkest what a little foolery governs the world.