I think it’s possible that you’re interpreting some key words in that provision differently from how Franklin meant them. But I am not very confident either about how he meant them, or about how you are taking them. I think “warmth” may mean “anger” or “heated argument” (and I think you may be taking it to mean “friendliness”); I think “positive” may mean “forceful” (and I think you may be taking it to mean “approving”). The bit about “direct contradiction” seems like evidence for the meanings I am conjecturing; but, again, I am not confident in my guesses about the nuances of 18th-century American English.
I think it’s possible that you’re interpreting some key words in that provision differently from how Franklin meant them. But I am not very confident either about how he meant them, or about how you are taking them. I think “warmth” may mean “anger” or “heated argument” (and I think you may be taking it to mean “friendliness”); I think “positive” may mean “forceful” (and I think you may be taking it to mean “approving”). The bit about “direct contradiction” seems like evidence for the meanings I am conjecturing; but, again, I am not confident in my guesses about the nuances of 18th-century American English.
This is still a primary meaning in contemporary English:
That interpretation makes the “I even forbid myself...” part in rule 3 follow more naturally as well.
Oh, interesting. Hadn’t thought to read it that way.