Page:The Commentaries of the Emperor Marcus Antoninus.pdf/14

 ( ix ) ing what ought to be the Diſpoſition of Men's Minds, and the Conduct of their Lives, is altogether Chriſtian, and is cnforced by the molt moving and perfuafve Arguments to a rational Mind, that ſtudies to be virtuous for Virtue's Sale, that is to ſay, truly virtuous. For one who does Good and abſtains from Evii, only from Hope of Reward and Fear of Puniſkment, regards the Objects of bis Hope and Fear more than he does his Duty ; and although be may be a

tol.rable Member of

human Society, is as far from being a loyal Subject of the Sovereign Reaſon, as be who openly rebels againſt it. The Cleanneſs of ſuch a Man's Hards may ſerve to veil, but does not purge the Corruption of bis Heart ; and thoughſeemingly a free Agent, be is in Reo ality ſtill a Slave to his own Paſſions, which are the moſt outragious of Maſters. Accord ingly Antoninus is not frightened into the Road of Duty, as froward Children are checked by Bugbears; but ke reaſons himſelf into it, advancing from the Confideration of the Perfection of buman Nature to the ne ceſary Means of attaining it. And that due Regard may be had to God as conceived in the Quality of a Lawgiver, be attends alfo to the Confideration of what may be his Will, and gathers it, not from any verbal a Deo