There is no greater sign of a general decay of virtue in a
nation, than a want of zeal read more

There is no greater sign of a general decay of virtue in a
nation, than a want of zeal in its inhabitants for the good of
their country.

Zeal is very blind, or badly regulated, when it encroaches upon the rights of others

Zeal is very blind, or badly regulated, when it encroaches upon the rights of others

Poets heap virtues, painters gems, at will,
And show their zeal, and hide their want of skill.

Poets heap virtues, painters gems, at will,
And show their zeal, and hide their want of skill.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

For zeal's a dreadful termagant,
That teaches saints to tear and cant.

I remember a passage in Goldsmith's "Vicar of Wakefield," which
he was afterwards fool enough to expunge: "I do read more

I remember a passage in Goldsmith's "Vicar of Wakefield," which
he was afterwards fool enough to expunge: "I do not love a man
who is zealous for nothing."

But zeal moved thee;
To please thy gods thou didst it!

But zeal moved thee;
To please thy gods thou didst it!

Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.

Zeal is a volcano, the peak of which the grass of indecisiveness does not grow.

Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age read more

Had I but served my God with half the zeal I served my King, He would not in mine age Have left me naked to mine enemies.

Zeal will do more than knowledge.

Zeal will do more than knowledge.