It is a deeply unhappy spectacle and reflection, to see a man of perhaps more than seventy, sunk in the grossness and apathy of an almost total ignorance of all the most momentous subjects, and then to consider, that, since he came to an age of some natural capacity for the exercise of his mind, there have been more than three thousand Sundays.
— from An Essay on the Evils of Popular Ignorance by John Foster

I recollect the unmerited abuse given for a long time in the papers to the Catholics, because seventeen housekeepers in Dublin unguardedly signed a requisition to the high sheriff for the purpose of convening an aggregate meeting relative to a parliamentary reform, though I am confident the seventeen knew as little about the impropriety of their signing that requisition, and foresaw as little the offence it would give, as the high sheriff himself.
— from Secret Service Under Pitt by William J. (William John) Fitz-Patrick

The Currents thus damm’d up, swell and rise together, after much Struggling one against the other.
— from The Discovery and Conquest of the Molucco and Philippine Islands. Containing their History, Ancient and Modern, Natural and Political: Their Description, Product, Religion, Government, Laws, Languages, Customs, Manners, Habits, Shape, and Inclinations of the Natives. With an Account of many other adjacent Islands, and several remarkable Voyages through the Streights of Magellan, and in other Parts. by Bartolomé Leonardo de Argensola

"I'm afraid I can't accept that cheerful doctrine, Uncle Sim—" "All right, Thor.
— from The Side Of The Angels: A Novel by Basil King

Why should we lag in anything in doubt, under suspicion, and repulsive to any portion of the body, when we have a divinely-prescribed worship held in no doubt?
— from A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin

After his removal to Angus he continued the exercise of his ministry, preaching daily unto such as resorted to him, with much success, and an intimate communion with God, until a few days before his death.
— from Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by John Howie

There was a thousand deaths upon such a road; there was a moral danger in the companionship attending such a business, which he regarded with positive horror.
— from Winter Evening Tales by Amelia E. Barr