The law against witches does not prove there be any; but it punishes…

Quote byJohn Selden · 1584–1654

Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Table Talk (1689), Witches..

English (original)

The law against witches does not prove there be any; but it punishes the malice of those people that use such means to take away men's lives.

— John Selden

'Tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.

Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.

The House of Commons is called the Lower House, in twenty Acts of Parliament; but what are twenty Acts of Parliament amongst Friends?

Scrutamini scripturas (Let us look at the scriptures). These two words have undone the world.

Old friends are best. King James used to call for his old shoes; they were easiest for his feet.

Commonly we say a judgement falls upon a man for something in him we cannot abide.