John Selden
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"John Selden" was an English jurist and a scholar of England's ancient laws and constitution and scholar of Jewish law. He was known as a polymath showing true intellectual depth and breadth; John Milton hailed Selden in 1644 as "the chief of learned men reputed in this land."

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'Tis not the eating, nor 'tis not the drinking that is to be blamed, but the excess.

Ignorance of the law excuses no man: Not that all men know the law, but because 'tis an excuse every man will plead, and no man can tell how to refute him.

'Tis not seasonable to call a man a traitor that has an army at his heels.

In quoting of books, quote such authors as are usually read; others you may read for your own satisfaction, but not name them.

Wise men say nothing in dangerous times.

He that has not religion to govern his morality, is not a dram better than my mastiff-dog; so long as you stroke him, and please him, and do not pinch him, he will play with you as finely as may be, he is a very good moral mastiff; but if you hurt him, he will fly in your face, and tear out your throat.

They that are against superstition oftentimes run into it of the wrong side. If I wear all colors but black, then I am superstitious in not wearing black.

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

The world cannot be governed without juggling.