14 Dec.r 1801

Maximum

Conclusion

3 /1/

If it requires much fortitude and public spirit to give a legal sanction /stand

forth as the adopter/ to such a measure, it required some share, how inferior

soever a share I will venture to say to have stood forth in the way in which I

have ventured to do to be the proposer of it. In doing so, I am but too well

persuaded of experiencing nothing but disapprobation from the persons of whose

judgement stands highest even in my own estimate: in a case like this, converts

in any considerable proportion would not reasonably be expected, even by the

help of arguments of a more convincing nature than what in my view of it, it

affords. On the part of those who on the same question are on the same side, the

prospect is still more discouraging: if I prove /make good/ their point, it is

after the rejection of all their reasons. If on a single point, I /the arguments

I have brought to view/ confirm their judgment it is not till after having

thwarted and wounded their affections[?]. Hot tempers joined to weak and

imperfectly furnished understandings have ever hitherto been the characteristics

of the bulk of readers: in the present /is an/ instance the ground of

conciliation is narrow – that matter of irritation wide irritative matter

copious. Candour and impartiality in any station other than that of a Judge /an

official/ are not to the taste of the generality of readers. They find no such

sentiment:

they