90 On Definitions. 
twelve, or fifteen, or twenty, or fifty years, is a question which can- 
not be settled but by some positive enactment on the subject. And 
even when this is done, the subject is still sufficiently vague and in- 
definite to give rise to numerous questions, to many doubts, and a 
great deal of litigation as to the right of authorship and prior inven- 
tion. 
These examples will be sufficient, it is hoped, to explain clearly 
what is meant by the general assertion already and repeatedly made, 
that moral science does not admit of strictly logical definitions. This 
assertion was proved in the previous part of these observations, in 
which it was shown that morality was occupied with invisible objects, 
which could not be brought before the eye, or any of the senses, 
for the purpose of vaitiviie to each other’s satisfaction, the use which 
we make of the terms employed. The examples now adduced, 
serve also to illustrate the consequences of that incapability of strict 
definition, the partial uncertainty of all discussions of this kind, the 
possibility of being misunderstood in every statement of a mo 
nature, and the extreme degree of care that is necessary in the use 
every term which we-employ. 
No human science can be compared in importance with morals, 
since upon this depends all the happiness of men, whether considered 
as individuals, or existing in societies. It is impossible to express 
in too strong terms, the infinite importance of acquiring accurate 
conceptions of the ideas involved in the various terms which it em- 
ploys, as well as of adhering in our own use of these terms, to the 
most strict and logical definitions that can be obtained. Nothing is 
so much to be deprecated as a loose and careless use of terms, in 
this, the most important of all sciences. The conduct of individuals 
cannot be expected to be correct and consistent, while their ideas of 
their duty are wavering and uncertain. Still less can the conduct 
of nations and societies be strictly conformable to justice or to their 
own interest, while the moral conceptions of those who direct them, 
are fluctuating and ill founded. Numberless disputes, also, which 
have divided and embittered the sentiments of mankind, would have 
been prevented or soon removed, had those who entertained them, 
had an opportunity of coming to a mutual understanding os 
the terms employed in the expression of their opinions. An 
cannot be doubted, that the total want of reflection on 8 
tainty which we have shown to be inherent in the origin of our 
moral sentiments, has been a fruitful source of that fearful intolerance 
which has marked so many ages of the history of man. 
