Indeed, if the judgments of men were correct, custom should be sought among the good.

But the fact is often very different.

What appears to be practiced by many soon obtains the force of a custom.

And human affairs have scarcely ever been in so good a state as for the majority to be pleased with things of real excellence.

From the private vices of multitudes, therefore, has arisen public error, or rather a common agreement of vices, which these good men would now have to be received as law.