Algernon Sydney

“I thought fit to leave this testimony to the world, that, as I had from my youth endeavored to uphold the Common rights of mankind, the lawes of this land, and the true Protestant religion, against corrupt principles, arbitrary power and Popery, I doe now willingly lay down my life for the same; and having a sure witness within me, that God doth absolve me, and uphold me, in the utmost extremityes, am very littell sollicitous, though man doth condemne me.”

“If his Majesty is resolved to have my head, he may make a whistle of my arse if he pleases.”

“We live in an age that makes truth pass for treason, and as I dare not say anything against it, so the ears of those that are about me will probably be found too tender to hear it. This my trial and condemnation do sufficiently evidence.”

“Few men would be so gentle as to spare even the best, if by their destruction vile usurpers could become God's anointed, and by the most execrable wickedness invest themselves with that divine character.”

“Liars ought to have good memories.”

“Men lived like fishes; the great ones devoured the small.”

“God helps those who help themselves.”

“It is not necessary to light a candle to the sun.”

“That which is not just, is not Law; and that which is not Law, ought not to be obeyed.”