No man can expect to find a friend without faults; nor can he propose himself to be so to another. Without reciprocal mildness and temperance there can be no continuance of friendship. Every man will have something to do for his friend, and something to bear with in him. The sober man only can do the first; and for the latter, patience is requisite. It is better for a man to depend on himself, than to be annoyed with either a madman or a fool.
Owen FelthamBy gaming we lose both our time and treasure - two things most precious to the life of man.
Owen FelthamBusiness is the salt of life, which not only gives a grateful smack to it, but dries up those crudities that would offend, preserves from putrefaction and drives off all those blowing flies that would corrupt it.
Owen FelthamAll men will be Peters in their bragging tongue, and most men will be Peters in their base denial; but few men will be Peters in their quick repentance.
Owen FelthamTake heed of a speedy professing friend; love is never lasting which flames before it burns.
Owen FelthamZeal without humanity is like a ship without a rudder, liable to be stranded at any moment
Owen FelthamPraise has different effects, according to the mind it meets with; it makes a wise man modest, but a fool more arrogant, turning his weak brain giddy.
Owen FelthamThe greatest results in life are usually attained by simple means and the exercise of ordinary qualities. These may for the most part be summed up in these two - common sense and perseverance.
Owen FelthamTo go to law is for two persons to kindle a fire, at their own cost, to warm others and singe themselves to cinders; and because they cannot agree as to what is truth and equity, they will both agree to unplume themselves that others may be decorated with their feathers.
Owen FelthamTruth and fidelity are the pillars of the temple of the world; when these are broken, the fabric falls, and crushes all to pieces.
Owen FelthamArrogance is a weed which grows upon a dunghill; it is from the rankness of the soil that she has her height and spreadings: witness, clowns, fools, and fellows, who from nothing, are lifted up some few steps on fortune's ladder: where, seeing the glorious representment of honour above them, they are so eager to embrace it, that they strive to leap thither at once, and by over-reaching themselves in the way, they fail of the end, and fall.
Owen FelthamVirtue dwells at the head of a river, to which we cannot get but by rowing against the stream.
Owen FelthamA combed writing will cost both sweat and the rubbing of the brain. And combed I wish it, not frizzled or curled.
Owen FelthamEvery man should study conciseness in speaking; it is a sign of ignorance not to know that long speeches, though they may please the speaker, are the torture of the hearer.
Owen FelthamHe that despairs degrades the Deity, and seems to intimate that He is insufficient, or not just to His word; and in vain hath read the scriptures, the world, and man.
Owen Feltham