'But whatever I deliver myself to be, provided it be such as I really am, I have my end; neither will I make any excuse for committing to paper such mean and frivolous things as these; the meanness of the _subject_ compels me to it.'--'_Human reason is a two-edged_ and a _dangerous sword_. Observe, in the hand of _Socrates_, her most intimate and familiar friend, _how many points it has. Thus_, I am good for nothing but to follow, and suffer myself to be easily carried away with the crowd.'--'I have this opinion of _these political controversies_: Be on what side you will, you have as fair a game to play as your adversary, provided you do not proceed so far as to jostle _principles that are too manifest to be disputed; and yet, 'tis_ my _notion, in public affairs_ [hear], _there is no government_ so ill, _provided it be ancient_, and has been _constant_, that is not better than change and alteration. Our manners are infinitely corrupted, and wonderfully incline to grow worse: of our laws and customs, _there are many that are barbarous and monstrous: nevertheless_, by reason of the difficulty of reformation, and the danger of stirring things, _if I could put something under to stay the wheel_, and keep it where it is, _I would do so with all my heart_. It is very easy to beget in a people a contempt of its ancient observances; _never any man undertook, but he succeeded; but to establish a better regimen in the stead of that a man has overthrown, many who have attempted this have foundered in the attempt_. I very little consult _my prudence_ [philosophic 'prudence'] in my conduct. I am willing to let it be guided by _public rule_.