It is impossible for a man to be made happy by putting him in a happy place, unless he be first in a happy state.
Benjamin WhichcoteModesty and humility are the sobriety of the mind, as temperance and chastity are of the body.
Benjamin WhichcoteFear is the denomination of the Old Testament; belief is the denomination of the New.
Benjamin WhichcoteA guilty mind can be eased by nothing but repentance; by which what was ill done is revoked and morally voided and undone.
Benjamin WhichcoteThe more mysterious, the more imperfect: that which is mystically spoken is but half spoken.
Benjamin WhichcoteEntrance into Heaven is not at the hour of death, but at the moment of conversion.
Benjamin WhichcoteThe government of man should be the monarchy of reason: it is too often the democracy of passions or the anarchy of humors.
Benjamin WhichcoteSome things must be good in themselves, else there could be no measure whereby to lay out good and evil.
Benjamin WhichcoteA wise man will not communicate his differing thoughts to unprepared minds, or in a disorderly manner.
Benjamin WhichcoteHe that neither knows himself nor thinks he can learn of others is not fit for company.
Benjamin WhichcoteOnly madmen and fools are pleased with themselves; no wise man is good enough for his own satisfaction.
Benjamin WhichcoteAn idol is what man makes and then has to carry. God makes a man and then carries him.
Benjamin WhichcoteThe human soul is to God, is as the flower to the sun; it opens at its approach, and shuts when it withdraws.
Benjamin WhichcoteNothing spoils human nature more than false zeal. The good nature of a heathen is more God-like than the furious zeal of a Christian.
Benjamin WhichcoteAmong politicians the esteem of religion is profitable; the principles of it are troublesome.
Benjamin Whichcote