Men, actuated by a mistaken sense of duty, might, under this influence, be led to the commission of the most flagitious, as well as the most heroic acts: If it were his desire to accumulate wealth, or institute a new sect, he should need no other instrument.
I listened to this kind of discourse with great avidity, and regretted when he thought proper to introduce new topics.

He ended by requesting me to visit him, which I eagerly consented to do.

When left alone, my imagination was filled with the images suggested by this conversation.
The hopelessness of better fortune, which I had lately harboured, now gave place to cheering confidence.

Those motives of rectitude which should deter me from this species of imposture, had never been vivid or stable, and were still more weakened by the artifices of which I had already been guilty.

The utility or harmlessness of the end, justified, in my eyes, the means.
No event had been more unexpected, by me, than the bequest of my aunt to her servant.