It is too probable that no plan we propose will be adopted. Perhaps another dreadful conflict is to be sustained. If to please the people, we offer what we ourselves disapprove, how can we afterwards defend our work? Let us raise a standard to which the wise and the honest can repair. The event is in the hand of God.

Summary

This quote highlights the difficulty and potential consequences of compromising one's own beliefs for the sake of gaining popularity. The speaker suggests that even though there might be a possibility of their proposed plan not being accepted, it is crucial not to present ideas that they personally disagree with merely to appease others. They emphasize the importance of establishing a moral benchmark that the wise and honest can support, rather than diluting one's integrity for temporary approval. Ultimately, they acknowledge that the final outcome is beyond their control and lies in the hands of a higher power.