James I of England quotes

James I of England was the first monarch to rule both England and Scotland, uniting the crowns in 1603. His reign was marked by efforts to strengthen royal authority and by the commissioning of the King James Bible. He played a key role in shaping the early modern history of Britain. Here are 12 of his quotes:

A custom loathsome to the eye, hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, dangerous to the lungs, and in the black, stinking fume thereof, nearest resembling the horrible Stygian smoke of the pit that is bottomless. (James I of England)
Herein is not only a great vanity, but a great contempt of God's gifts, that the sweetness of man's breath, being a good gift of God, should be willfully corrupted by this stinking smoke. View quote
James I of England
I can make a lord, but only God can make a gentleman. View quote
James I of England
Smoking is hateful to the nose, harmful to the brain, and dangerous to the lungs. View quote
James I of England
That which concerns the mystery of the King's power is not lawful to be disputed; for that is to wade into the weakness of Princes, and to take away the mystical reverence that belongs unto them that sit in the throne of God. View quote
James I of England
Were I not a king, I would be a university man. View quote
James I of England
I acknowledge the Roman Church to be our mother church, although defiled with some infirmities and corruptions...Let [the Papists] assure themselves, that, as I am a friend of their persons, if they be good subjects, so am I a vowed enemy, and do denounce mortal war to their errors. View quote
James I of England
I will make them conform themselves, or else I will harry them out of the land, or else do worse. View quote
James I of England
If you aim at a Scottish presbytery, it agreeth as well with monarchy, as God and the devil. ... No bishop, no King! View quote
James I of England
Beware in making your sporters your councellors, and delight not to keepe ordinarily in your companie comedians or balladines. View quote
James I of England
He was so crafty and cunning in petty things, as the circumventing of any great man, the change of a Favourite, &c. insomuch as a very wise man was wont to say that he believed him the wisest fool in Christendom, meaning him wise in small things, but a fool in weighty affairs. (James I of England)
The House of Commons is a body without a head. The Members give their opinions in a disorderly manner. At their meetings nothing is heard but cries, shouts, and confusion. I am surprised that my ancestors should ever have permitted such an institution to come into existence. I am a stranger and found it here when I arrived, so that I am obliged to put up with what I cannot get rid of. View quote
James I of England