the sun at noon
` Begging your honour 's pardon -LRB- replied Clinker -RRB- may not the new light of God 's grace shine upon the poor and the ignorant in their humility , as well as upon the wealthy , and the philosopher in all his pride of human learning ? ' ` What you imagine to be the new light of grace -LRB- said his master -RRB- I take to be a deceitful vapour , glimmering through a crack in your upper story -- In a word , Mr Clinker , I will have no light in my family but what pays the king 's taxes , unless it be the light of reason , which you do n't pretend to follow . ' ` Ah , sir ! -LRB- cried Humphry -RRB- the light of reason , is no more in comparison to the light I mean , than a farthing candle to the sun at noon ' -- ` Very true -LRB- said uncle -RRB- , the one will serve to shew you your way , and the other to dazzle and confound your weak brain . Heark ye , Clinker , you are either an hypocritical knave , or a wrong-headed enthusiast ; and in either case , unfit for my service . If you are a quack in sanctity and devotion , you will find it an easy matter to impose upon silly women , and others of crazed understanding , who will contribute lavishly for your support . If you are really seduced by the reveries of a disturbed imagination , the sooner you lose your senses entirely , the better for yourself and the community .