George Washington's Rules of Civility Traced to their Sources and Restored by Moncure D. Conway
Chapter vii. 8. Si deux personnes out quelque chose à decider
ensemble, ne prenez le party ny de l'vn, ny de l'autre, si quelque grãde raison ne vous y oblige. Ne soustenez pas vos sentiments auec vne trop grande obstination. Dans les matieres où les opiniõs sont libres, prenez tousiours le party qui est le plus appuyé.
[Sidenote: Walker says: 'Thrust not your self to be Moderator or Umpire in Controversies, till required']
If two persons have anything to decide between themselves do not take the part of either unless some pressing reason obliges you to do so. Do not maintain your ideas too obstinately. In matters in which opinions are free, always take the side which has the most support.
70th Reprehend not the imperfections of others for that belongs to Parents Masters and Superiors.