If we are told a man is religious we still ask what are his morals? But if we hear at first that he has honest morals, and is a man of natural justice and good temper, we seldom think of the other question, whether he be religious and devout.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of ShaftesburyWit is its own remedy. Liberty and commerce bring it to its true standard. The only danger is the laying an embargo. The same thing happens here as in the case of trade: impositions and restrictions reduce it to a low ebb; nothing is so advantageous to it as a free port.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of ShaftesburyRemember that there is nothing in God but what is godlike; and that He is either not at all, or truly and perfectly good.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of ShaftesburyWhen men are easy in themselves, they let others remain so.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of ShaftesburyIt is necessary a writing critic should understand how to write. And though every writer is not bound to show himself in the capacity of critic, every writing critic is bound to show himself capable of being a writer; for if he be apparently impotent in this latter kind, he is to be denied all title or character in the other.
Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 7th Earl of Shaftesbury