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426 the operation of this principle their wellbeing has been intrusted. Man, however, is endowed with reason, and hence he is able to arrange in a scale, according to their different degrees of eligibility, as pointed out by reason, the natural good things by which his wellbeing is promoted; and the first steps which he takes towards a life of virtue and happiness are to be found in the preference which he gives to those things which, in the estimation of reason, are the more eligible over those which are the less eligible. These natural good things, and the scale in which they stand, are described by Adam Smith in his 'Theory of Moral Sentiments,' part vii. sec. 2, chap. 1, p, 215, &c., ed. London, 1792.

7. In explanation of the second of the conformities spoken of in the ethical scheme of the Stoics, our conformity, namely, to the law of society, a few words have to be said. The law of society signifies simply the means, whatever these may be, by which society is best held together, and its general interests most effectually promoted. Reason and experience, that is, either personal observation or knowledge gathered from the history of mankind in the different eras of civilisation, these are the guides which will point out to us what the means are by which the good of society may be promoted, and its interests advanced. Hence it is incumbent on the wise man to listen to reason and experience, and to adopt and use to the utmost of his power whatever expedients these lights