STILLINGFLEET, Edward Quotes
(1635-1699), English prelate
Prayer among men is supposed a means to change the person to whom we pray; but prayer to God doth not change him, but fits us to receive the things prayed for.
Above all things, raillery decline; it is in ablest hands a dangerous tool, but never fails to wound the meddling fool.
A story should, to please, at least seem true, be apropos, well told, concise, and new; and whensoe'er it deviates from these rules, the wise will sleep, and leave applause to fools.
As Thales measured the pyramids from their shadows, so we may measure the height and antiquity of the truth, by the extent of its corruptions.
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