Excerpt from The Trial of Thomas Paterson, for Blasphemy, Before the High Court of Judiciary, Edinburgh, With the Whole of His Bold and Effective Defence
I do not contend, and it is not necessary to contend here, that Peterson is right or that he is wrong; but this I do contend, that Paterson is conscientious, and this the public ought to respect  that Paterson means well in his way, and this the pub. Lic ought to regard. For good intentions. Although they may not disarm opposition, ought always to disarm ill feelings.