Page:The life and opinions of Tristram Shandy (Volume 2).pdf/154

 short and independent rules deducible from it.

"First, Whenever a man talks loudly against religion,—always suspect that it is not his reason, but his passions which have got the better of his . A bad life and a good belief are disagreeable and troublesome neighbours, and where they separate, depend upon it, 'tis for no other cause but quietness sake.

"Secondly, When a man, thus represented, tells you in any particular instance,—That such a thing goes against his conscience,—always believe he means exactly the same thing, as when he tells you such a thing goes against his stomach;—a present want of appetite being generally the true cause of both.