Page:Characteristicks of men, manners, opinions, times Vol 2.djvu/35

RV 31 (Rh) and disaffect what is contrary; or, corruptly affect what is ill, and disaffect what is worthy and good.

in this Case alone it is we call any Creature worthy or virtuous, when it can have the Notion of a publick Interest, and can attain the Speculation or Science of what is morally good or ill, admirable or blameable, right or wrong. For tho we may vulgarly call an ill Horse vitious, yet we never say of a good-one, nor of any mere Beast, Idiot, or Changeling, tho ever so good-natur'd, that he is worthy or virtuous.

that if a Creature be generous, kind, constant, compassionate; yet if he cannot reflect on what he himself does, or sees others do, so as to take notice of what is worthy or honest; and make that Notice or Conception of Worth and Honesty to be an Object of his Affection; he has not the Character of being virtuous: for thus, and no otherwise, he is capable of having a Sense of Right or Wrong; a Sentiment or Judgment of what is done, thro' just, equal, and good Affection, or the contrary.

is done thro' any unequal Affection, is iniquous, wicked, and wrong. If the Affection be equal, found, and good, and the Subject Rh