If mankind cannot defend their own way of thinking, I
cannot defend it. Sir, if a man is in doubt whether it would be better
for him to expose himself to martyrdom or not, he should not do it. He
must be convinced that he has a delegation from heaven.' GOLDSMITH. 'I
would consider whether there is the greater chance of good or evil upon
the whole. If I see a man who had fallen into a well, I would wish to
help him out; but if there is a greater probability that he shall pull
me in, than that I shall pull him out, I would not attempt it. So were
I to go to Turkey, I might wish to convert the Grand Signor to the
Christian faith; but when I considered that I should probably be put
to death without effectuating my purpose in any degree, I should keep
myself quiet.' JOHNSON. 'Sir, you must consider that we have perfect and
imperfect obligations. Perfect obligations, which are generally not to
do something, are clear and positive; as, "thou shalt not kill?' But
charity, for instance, is not definable by limits.
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