Elements of Moral Philosophy (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1825 edition. Excerpt: ... and provides against every unpleasant feeling that may arise in the breasts around, as if it were some quick-sighted and guardian Power, intent only on general happiness, --is something far more dignified in its nature, than the cold courtesies which pass current under that name, the mere knowledge of fashionable manners, and an exact adherence to them. It is, in its most essential respects, what may be possessed by those, who have little of the varying vocabulary, and varying usages of the season. The knowledge of these is, indeed, necessary to such as mingle in the circles which require them; but they are necessary only as the new fashion of the coat or splendid robe, which leaves him or her who wears it, the same human being, in every respect, as before; and are not more a part of either, than the ticket of admission, which opens to their ready entrance, the splendid apartment, from which the humble are excluded. The true politeness of the heart, is something which cannot be given by those who minister to mere decoration. It is the moral grace of life, if I may venture so to term it, --the grace of the mind, and what the world count graces, are little more than graces of the body. Such is benevolence in the various forms in which it may be instrumental to happiness, --and, in being thus instrumental to the happiness of others, it has truly a source of happiness within-itself. It may not feel indeed, all the enjoyment which it wishes to diffuse--for its wishes are unlimited--but it feels an enjoyment, that is as wide as all the happiness which it sees around it, or the still greater and wider happiness of which it anticipates the existence. The very failure of a benevolent wish only breaks its delight, without destroying it; for when one