But in all his rencontres with the _false_ christians, he adhered strictly to the spirit of Socrates, as being perfectly congenial to his own. Instead of blunt contradictions and positive assertions, he would put modest questions; and after obtaining of them concessions of which they did not foresee the _consequences_, he would involve them in difficulties and embarrassments, from which they could never extricate themselves. Had he possessed a vanity capable of being satisfied with the triumph of wit over dulness, he might long have crowed the master cock of this Socratic pit. But finding that his victories seldom produced any practical good; that they were acquired at a considerable expense of time, neglect of business, and injury of his temper, which was never formed for altercation with bigots, he abandoned it by degrees, retaining only the habit of expressing himself with a modest diffidence. And not only at that time, but ever afterwards through life, it was remarked of him, that in argument he rarely used the words _certainly_, _undoubtedly_, or any others that might convey the idea of being obstinately conceited of his own opinion. His ordinary phrases were--_I imagine_--_I suppose-_-or, _it appears to me, that such a thing is so and so_--or, _it is so, if I am not mistaken_. By such soothing arts he gradually conciliated the good will of his opponents, and almost always succeeded in bringing them over to his wishes. Hence he used to say, it was great pity that sensible and well-meaning persons should lessen their own usefulness by a positive and presumptuous way of talking, which only serves to provoke opposition from the passionate, and shyness from the prudent, who rather than get into a dispute with such self-conceited characters, will hold their peace, and let them go on in their errors. In short, if you wish to answer one of the noblest ends for which tongues were given to rational beings, which is to _inform_ or to be _informed_, to _please_ and to _persuade_ them, for heaven's sake, treat their opinions, even though erroneous, with great politeness. "Men must be taught as though you taught them not, And things unknown propos'd as things forgot," says Mr. Pope; and again "To speak, though sure, with seeming diffidence; For want of modesty is want of sense." CHAPTER XII.