LECTURE VII. 355 



the detriment of other individuals, or to 

 that of society in general. Let me not 

 either derogate from my assumed character 

 by neglecting to remind you, Gentlemen, 

 that the consideration of the quo animo is 

 the vital principal of the British law. 

 There may be inconsiderate persons who 

 commit error without adverting to its diffu- 

 sively baneful consequences ; who, thought- 

 less of the course and contingencies of 

 human life, may undesigningly broach 

 opinions tending to weaken and destroy 

 others which form the spring of every 

 generous and noble action, and our only 

 support under oppression and affliction. 

 There may be those who do not perceive 

 how our notions respecting life can influ- 

 ence our conduct. But this indeed sur- 

 prizes me, because Voltaire was so well 

 acquainted with the evil tendency of his 

 own doctrines, that he checked the con- 

 versation of his companions, whilst the 

 servants remained in the room, lest, ob- 

 served he, we should have our throats 

 cut. 



