Page:Characteristicks of men, manners, opinions, times Vol 2.djvu/44

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AnINQUIRY

PART III.

SECT. I.

The Nature of Virtue consisting (as has been explain'd) in a just Disposition, or proportionable Affection of a rational Creature towards the moral Objects of Right and Wrong; nothing can possibly in such a Creature exclude a Principle of Virtue, or render it ineffectual, except what

1. Either takes away the natural and just Sense of Right and Wrong:

2. Or creates a wrong Sense of it:

3. Or causes the right Sense to be oppos'd, by contrary Affections.

On the other side, nothing can assist, or advance the Principle of Virtue, except what either in some manner nourishes and promotes a Sense of Right and Wrong; or preserves it genuine and uncorrupt; or causes it, whensuch,