To be loved, we should merit but little esteem; all superiority attracts awe and aversion. — Claude Adrien Helvetius
Justification by religious performances, and meritorious deeds, is nothing better than the — Charles Spurgeon
Praise when merited is not a boon: yet to a generous nature, is it pleasant to utter it. — Herman Melville
Everything is always decided for reasons other than the real merits of the case — John Maynard Keynes
Amongst the sons of men how few are known Who dare be just to merit not their own. — Charles Churchill