That it was infinitely more desirably to possess the
lasting esteem of those about us, than at intervals to attract
admiration.
In properly arranging the various duties between man and man, it was
necessary to ascend to principles; the step I had recently taken,
and of which my present situation was the consequence, naturally led
us to speak of religion. It will easily be conceived that the honest
M. Gaime was, in a great measure, the original of the Savoyard
Vicar: prudence only obliging him to deliver his sentiments, on
certain points, with more caution and reserve, and explain himself
with less freedom; but his sentiments and councils were the same,
not even excepting his advice to return to my country; all was
precisely as I have since given it to the public. Dwelling no
longer, therefore, on conversations which every one may see the
substance of, I shall only add, that these wise instructions (though
they did not produce an immediate effect) were as so many seeds of
virtue and religion in my heart which were never rooted out, and
only required the fostering cares of friendship to bring to maturity.
Though my conversion was not very sincere, I was affected by his
discourses, and far from being weary, was pleased with them on account
of their clearness and simplicity, but above all because his heart
seemed interested in what he said. My disposition is naturally tender,
I have ever been less attached to people for the good they have really
done me than for that they designed to do, and my feelings in this
particular have seldom misled me: thus I truly esteemed M.
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