Roger L'Estrange

“ Nature has provided better for us, then we could have done for our selves.
REFLEXION.
One Double Practice may be disappointed by another; but the Gifts of Nature are beyond all the Shams and Shuffles in the World. There's as much difference betwixt Craft and Wisdom, as there is betwixt Philosophy and Slight of Hand. Shifting and Shufflling may serve for a Time, but Truth and Simplicity will most certainly carry it at the long run. ”

“ When a Man of Trick comes once to be Detected, he's Lost, even to all Intents and Purposes: Not but that one Invention may in some Cases be Honestly Countermin'd with another. But this is to be said upon the whole matter, That Nature provides better for us, then we can do for our selves ”

“ Some bring themselves off by their Wings, others by their Heels, Craft or Strength. Some have their Cells or Hiding Places; and upon the Upshot, they do more by Vertue of a Common Instinct toward their own Preservation, then if they had the whole Colledge of the Virtnose for their Advisers. ”