Of all sorts of flattery, that which comes from a solemn character and stands before a sermon is the worst-complexioned. Such commendation is a satire upon the author, makes the text look mercenary, and disables the discourse from doing service. Jeremy Collier More Quotes by Jeremy Collier More Quotes From Jeremy Collier He that would relish success to a purpose should keep his passions cool, and his expectations low; and then it is possible that his fortune might exceed his fancy; for an advantage always rises by surprise; and is almost always doubled by being unlooked for. Jeremy Collier passion expectations success Truth is the band of union and the basis of human happiness. Without this virtue there is no reliance upon language, no confidence in friendship, no security in promises and oaths. Jeremy Collier band truth promise A man by tumbling his thoughts, and forming them into expressions, gives them a new fermentation, which works them into a finer body. Jeremy Collier expression giving men It is a difficult task to talk to the purpose, and to put life and perspicuity into our discourse. Jeremy Collier tasks purpose talking Prudence is a necessary ingredient in all the virtues, without which they degenerate into folly and excess. Jeremy Collier degenerates excess ingredients Passing too eagerly upon a provocation loses the guard and lays open the body; calmness and leisure and deliberation do the business much better. Jeremy Collier retribution leisure body By reading a man does, as it were, antedate his life, and make himself contemporary with the ages past; and this way of running up beyond one's nativity is better than Plato's pre-existence. Jeremy Collier reading plato running Dangerous principles impose upon our understanding, emasculate our spirits, and spoil our temper. Jeremy Collier understanding principles spirit There are few things reason can discover with so much certainty and ease as its own insufficiency. Jeremy Collier certainty reason ease Learning gives us a fuller conviction of the imperfections of our nature; which one would think, might dispose us to modesty. Jeremy Collier imperfection giving thinking Knowledge is the consequence of time, and multitude of days are fittest to teach wisdom. Jeremy Collier multitudes teach teaching Envy lies between two beings equal in nature though unequal in circumstances. Jeremy Collier envy two lying Without discretion, people may be overlaid with unreasonable affection, and choked with too much nourishment. Jeremy Collier too-much may people Temperance keeps the senses clear and unembarrassed, and makes them seize the object with more keenness and satisfaction. It appears with life in the face, and decorum in the person; it gives you the command of your head, and secures your health, and preserves you in a condition for business. Jeremy Collier sobriety satisfaction giving Avoid all affectation and singularity. What is according to nature is best, and what is contrary to it is always distasteful. Nothing is graceful that is not our own. Jeremy Collier distasteful contrary singularity True courage is the result of reasoning. A brave mind is always impregnable. Jeremy Collier uplifting brave courage The road to heaven lies as near by water as by land. Jeremy Collier land water lying Heroes are a mischievous race. Jeremy Collier mischievous race hero It were well if there were fewer heroes; for I scarcely ever heard of any, excepting Hercules, but did more mischief than good. These overgrown mortals commonly use their will with their right hand; and their reason with their left. Jeremy Collier use hero hands People's opinions of themselves are legible in their countenances. Jeremy Collier countenance opinion people
