James Thomson

I think a bishop who doesn't give offence to anyone is probably not a good bishop.

— James Thomson

A little, round, fat, oily man of God.

— James Thomson

More firm and sure the hand of courage strikes, when it obeys the watchful eye of caution.

— James Thomson

That which makes people dissatisfied with their condition, is the chimerical idea they form of the happiness of others.

— James Thomson

Ingratitude is treason to mankind.

— James Thomson

I know no subject more elevating, more amazing, more ready to the poetical enthusiasm, the philosophical reflection, and the moral sentiment than the works of nature. Where can we meet such variety, such beauty, such magnificence?

— James Thomson

Peace is the happy natural state of man; war is corruption and disgrace.

— James Thomson

Still let my Song a nobler Note assume And sing th' infusive Force of Spring on Man; When Heaven and Earth, as if contending, vye To raise his Being, and serene his Soul. Can he forbear to join the general Smile Of Nature? Can fierce Passions vex his Breast, While every Gale is Peace, and every Grove Is Melody?

— James Thomson

All-Conquering Heat, o intermit thy Wrath! And on my throbbing Temples potent thus Beam not so fierce! Incessant still you flow, And still another fervent Flood succeeds, Pour'd on the Head profuse. In vain I sigh And restless turn, and look around for Night.

— James Thomson

The pale descending Year, yet pleasing still, A gentler Mood inspires; for now the Leaf Incessant rustles from the mournful Grove, Oft startling such as, studious, walk below, And slowly circles thro' the waving Air.

— James Thomson

Thus Winter falls, A heavy Gloom oppressive o'er the World, Thro' Nature shedding Influence malign, And rouses up the Seeds of dark Disease. The Soul of Man dies in him, loathing Life, And black with more than melancholy Views.

— James Thomson