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The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.

If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost; you can still call him vile names.

When a thing is said to be not worth refuting you may be sure that either it is flagrantly stupid -- in which case all comment is superfluous -- or it is something formidable, the very crux of the problem.

The best argument is that which seems merely an explanation.

Much might be said on both sides.

How agree the kettle and the earthen pot together?

Where we desire to be informed 'tis good to contest with men above ourselves; but to confirm and establish our opinions, 'tis best to argue with judgments below our own, that the frequent spoils and victories over their reasons may settle in ourselves an esteem and confirmed opinion of our own.

The brilliant chief, irregularly great, Frank, haughty, rash--the Rupert of debate.

And there begins a lang digression About the lords o' the creation.

Whatever Sceptic could inquire for, For every why he had a wherefore.

He'd undertake to prove, by force Of argument, a man's no horse. He'd prove a buzzard is no fowl, And that a Lord may be an owl, A calf an Alderman, a goose a Justice, And rooks, Committee-men or Trustees.

I've heard old cunning stagers Say, fools for arguments use wagers.

'Twas blow for blow, disputing inch by inch, For one would not retreat, nor t'other flinch.

When Bishop Berkeley said "there was no matter." And proved it--'t was no matter what he said.

I am bound to furnish my antagonists with arguments, but not with comprehension.

The noble Lord was the Prince Rupert to the Parliamentary army--his valour did not always serve his own cause.

A knock-down argument; 'tis but a word and a blow.

The daughter of debate That still discord doth sow.

Reproachful speech from either side The want of argument supplied; They rail, reviled; as often ends The contests of disputing friends.

I always admired Mrs. Grote's saying that politics and theology were the only two really great subjects.