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  ...220.
--When man's life is in debate, The judge can ne'er too long deliberate. DRYDEN.
Power and superiority are so flattering and delightful, that, fraught with temptation, and exposed to danger, as they are, scarcely any virtue is so cautious, or any prudence so timorous, as to decline them. Even those that have most reverence for the laws of right, are pleased with shewing that not fear, but choice, regulates their behaviour; and would be thought to comply, rather than obey. We love to overlook the boundaries which we do not wish to pass. and, as the Roman satirist remarks, he that has no design to take the life of another, is yet glad to have it in his hands.
From the same principle, tending yet more to degeneracy and corruption, proceeds the desire of investing lawful authority with terrour, and governing by force rather than persuasion. Pride is unwilling to believe the necessity of assigning any other reason than her own will; and would rather maintain the most equitable claims by violence and penalties, than...   Johnson, Samuel

Excerpt from The Works of Samuel Johnson, Volume 03 The Rambler, Volume II · This quote is filed under Temptation · Search on Google Books to find all references and sources for this quotation · Tell us if you know any facts or errors in this quote · Make a shirt with this quote on our USA or UK shop · Help your friends discover QB

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