"And if we are in this state, if we had an eternity of probation, what reason have we to suppose that we should profit by it - if we had ever so long a time to chose for ourselves we should pursue our own will, to gratify our carnal I desires"

This quote by Elias Hicks is a reflection on the human condition and our tendency to pursue our own desires. He recommends that if we were given an eternity of probation, we would still pick to follow our own will and gratify our carnal desires. This indicates that our nature is such that we are unable to withstand our own desires, even if we had an eternity of time to select for ourselves. Hicks is suggesting that our nature is such that we are not able to resist our own desires, and that no matter how much time we have, we will still select to follow our own will. This quote works as a suggestion that we need to bear in mind our own desires and aim to make choices that are in line with our values and beliefs.