"When we know, that the
opinions of even the greatest multitudes, are the standard of rectitude,
I shall think myself obliged to make those opinions the masters of my
conscience. But if it may be doubted whether Omnipotence it self is
competent to alter the essential constitution of right and wrong, sure I
am, that such things, as they and I, are possessed of no such power.
No man carries further than I do the policy of making government
pleasing to the people. But the widest range of this politic
complaisance is confined within the limits of justice. I would not only
consult the interest of the people, but I would cheerfully gratify
their humours. We are all a sort of children that must be soothed and
managed. I think I am not austere or formal in my nature. I would
bear, I would even myself play my part in, any innocent buffooneries, to
divert them. But I never will act the tyrant for their amusement. If
they will mix malice in their sports, I shall never consent to throw
them any living, sentient, creature whatsoever, no, not so much as a
killing, to torment."
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