It was about this time that I conceivd the bold and arduous Project of arriving at moral Perfection. I wishd to live without committing any Fault at any time; I would conquer all that either Natural Inclination, Custom, or Company might lead me into. As I knew, or thought I knew, what was right and wrong, I did not see why I might not always do the one and avoid the other. But I soon found I had undertaken a Task of more difficulty than I had imagined. I included under Thirteen names of Virtues all that at that time occurrd to me as necessary or desirable, and annexd to each a short Precept, which fully expressd the Extent I gave to its Meaning ?
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