3S4> LECTURE VII. 



of the bulk of the profession, derogatory 

 to its character, and injurious to society. 



In arguing the subject relative to the 

 opinions which we are warranted to form 

 respecting the nature of life, I disclaim 

 having any allusion, in what I have said, to 

 those of particular persons ; and I have, as 

 much as possible, endeavoured to conceal 

 all perception of individuals, by massing 

 them together in a crowd. I contend with 

 no man about his opinions ; for charity 

 instructs me to believe that each forms 

 the most correct opinions he is capable 

 of doing. I contend only against the pro- 

 mulgation of those that have a pernicious 

 tendency. In the assumed character of a 

 British advocate, I must be an advocate for 

 liberty; but then, it is for British liberty, 

 for rational liberty, for liberty without li- 

 centiousness, for the liberty that our laws 

 allow, which confirm to every individual 

 his natural rights, giving him licence to 

 think and act as he pleases, or deems pro- 

 per, so long as his actions do not tend to 



