"That which seems most likely, for I do not admit that we know what will."
"That which seems, then, for it is of no consequence."
"Of no consequence! surely there is a little difference between being and seeming to be."
"All the difference in the world," I replied, "but not in relation to our choice of conduct, We choose, if prudent, that conduct which, on the whole, deliberately seems most likely to promote our happiness, and, as far as that goes, what seems is."
"I grant it; and that probabilities are the measure of it," said Harrington.
"You are of Bayle's opinion, that there is in relation to the present life a probable prudent, and that it would be gross folly to neglect it?"
"Certainly."
"And in proportion as the interest was greater, and extended over a longer time, you would be content with less and less probabilities to justify action?"
"I freely grant I should."
"If now a servant came into the room to say that he feared your farm-house at King's O—- was on fire, though you might think it but faintly probable, you would not think it prudent to neglect the information?"