The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations Preface

But to us, probability is the very guide of life.
‘The Analogy of Religion’ (1736) ‘Introduction’
Things and actions are what they are, and the consequences of them will be what they will be:
why then should we desire to be deceived?
‘Fifteen Sermons preached at the Rolls Chapel’ (1726) no. 7
2.267 Nicholas Murray Butler 1862-1947
No artificial class distinction can long prevail in a society like ours [the USA] of which it is
truly said to be often but three generations ‘from shirt-sleeves to shirt-sleeves’.
‘True and False Democracy’ (1907) ch. 2
An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less.
Commencement address at Columbia University
2.268 Samuel Butler 1612-80
He’d run in debt by disputation,
And pay with ratiocination.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 77
For rhetoric he could not ope
His mouth, but out there flew a trope.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 81
For all a rhetorician’s rules
Teach nothing but to name his tools.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 89
A Babylonish dialect
Which learned pedants much affect.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 93
What ever sceptic could inquire for;
For every why he had a wherefore.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 131
He knew what’s what, and that’s as high
As metaphysic wit can fly.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 149
Such as take lodgings in a head
That’s to be let unfurnished.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 159
And still be doing, never done:
As if Religion were intended
For nothing else but to be mended.
‘Hudibras’ pt. 1 (1663), canto 1, l. 202
Compound for sins, they are inclined to,