Institutes of Moral Philosophy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1773. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAP. V. Of the tendency of Virtue in External Aclions *. SECT. I. Of the different branches of Virtue* IT has been observed, that a fool can neither come into company, nor go out of it, can neither sit, stand, nor walk, like a man of sense f. It may be said likewise, that a knave can do nothing like a man of probity. The law of external action is so essential to morality, that men very frequently confine the whole of morality to this law. * Cicero de effieiis, lib. i. J- Maxims of La Bruyere. But But virtue is in reality a qualification of the mind; although the term* equivalent to -virtue, in every langviage, implies all the required effects and appearances of this qualification. Its constituents are, Disposition, Skill, Application, and Force. Corresponding to the number of these constituents, virtue has been divided into four Capital branches, called the Cardinal Virtues. These are, Justice or Probity, Prudence, Temperance, and Forti tude *V Justice, or Probity, is the regard shown to the rights and happiness of mankind. Those effects of justice which mere innoeence implies, are requi? * This- division is so natural, that ir has always presented itself when we have treated of the felicity or excellence competent to man's nature. T 3 red red under the sanction of compulsory law. Those that constitute beneficence, are required under the sanctions of duty only. Prudence is that discernment by which men distinguish the value of ends, and the fitness of means to obtain them. Without this qualification, men are not fitted to act with any measure of steadiness, consistency, or good effect. Temperance is abstinence from inferior pleasures, or amusements, that mislead our pursuits. No one can apply himself effectually to any worthy purpose, who is liable to t...