"Is it right, James, for us to compel ourselves to do right when we are inclined to do wrong? Certainly there is more freedom in being able to resist evil, than in being bound by it hand and foot, so as to be its passive slave."
"You are a strange reasoner, Harvey."
"If my conclusions are not rational, controvert them."
"And have to talk for ever?"
"No doubt you would, James, to drive me from positions that are to me as true as that the sun shines in heaven."
"Exactly; and therefore it is useless to argue with you. But, to drop that point of the subject, to what profession do you most incline?"
"To law."
"Then why not choose it?"
"Perhaps I shall. But I wish first to define with myself my own position. I must understand truly upon what ground I stand, or I will not move forward one inch."
"Well, you must define your own position for yourself, for I don't see that I can help you much." And there the subject was dropped.