Page:Ferrier Works vol 2 1888 LECTURES IN GREEK PHILOSOPHY.pdf/462

Rh virtues arise out of the governance which reason exercises over the passions. This answer calls forward the fifth question, But how is this adjustment to be effected? by what means are the moral virtues to be developed? Answer, By means of custom. The practice of virtue, a practice which is sooner or later determined and directed by free-will, this practice produces the habit or disposition of virtue. While this habit is being formed the virtues are more or less incomplete. It is only when the habit is fully formed that they are complete, and are entitled to be called virtues in the highest and strictest sense of the word. But I must abstain from all discussion. The short answer to the fifth question is, The virtues are developed by means of custom or repeated practice. This answer brings up a new question, one on which I have not yet touched. I proceed to lay it before you.

46. Virtue, we have said, is a habit acquired through custom or practice. The new or sixth question which arises out of this answer is this, What is the kind of custom or practice which gives rise to the virtues? Answer, The practice out of which the virtues arise is a practice, to state it in short and somewhat technical language, a practice of aiming at the mean. Virtue is a middle between two extremes. Accustom yourselves to that middle, and you will settle down in the virtues. Perhaps a simpler and less formal answer to our question, What is the