Neither is it rare to observe among excellent and learned divines a certain ungracious manner or an unhappy tone of voice, which they never have been able to shake off.
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Citations by Jonathan Swift
in Quotes & Aphorisms (Wisdom)
There is in most people a reluctance and unwillingness to be forgotten. We observe even among the vulgar how fond they are to have an inscription over their grave.
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Our language is extremely imperfect, and in many instances it offends against every part of grammar.
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Great changes may be made in a government, yet the form continue; but large intervals of time must pass between every such innovation, enough to make it of a piece with the constitution.
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All pretences to neutrality are justly exploded, only intending the safety and ease of a few individuals, while the public is embroiled. This was the opinion and practice of the latter Cato.
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in Quotes & Aphorisms (Life)
The troubles of age were intended to wean us gradually from our fondness of life the nearer we approach to the end.
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What remedy can be found against grievances, but to bring religion into countenance, and encourage those who, from the hope of future reward, and dread of future punishment, will be moved to justice and integrity?
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One principal point of good breeding is to suit our behaviour to the three several degrees of men, our superiors, our equals, and those below us.
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The motives of the best actions will not bear too strict an inquiry. It is allowed that the cause of most actions, good or bad, may be resolved into love of ourselves: but the self-love of some men inclines them to please others; and the self-love of others is wholly employed in pleasing themselves. This makes the great distinction between virtue and vice.
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in Quotes & Aphorisms (Wisdom)
The system of morality to be gathered from the ancient sages falls very short of that delivered in the gospel.
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