way to gain it, even I say among those
men of the world who take a healthy view of things and who know that the
only way to succeed in this life is to make ourselves appear honourable,
faithful, judicious, and capable of useful service to a friend; because
naturally men love only what may be useful to them. Now, what do we gain by
hearing it said of a man that he has now thrown off the yoke, that he does
not believe there is a God who watches our actions, that he considers
himself the sole master of his conduct, and that he thinks he is accountable
for it only to himself.? Does he think that he has thus brought us to have
henceforth complete confidence in him and to look to him for consolation,
advice, and help in every need of life? Do they profess to have delighted us
by telling us that they hold our soul to be only a little wind and smoke,
especially by telling us this in a haughty and self-satisfied tone of voice?
Is this a thing to say gaily? Is it not, on the contrary, a thing to say
sadly, as the saddest thing in the world?
If they thought of it seriously, they would see that this is so bad a
mistake, so contrary to good sense, so opposed to decency, and so removed in
every respect from that good breeding which they seek, that they would be
more likely to correct than to pervert those who had an inclination to
follow them. And, indeed, make them give an account of their