274 ADVANCEMENT OF ifiAfctfiim. [BOOK vn 



observed in some of the most ancient philosophers of great 

 repute, who too effeminately withdrew from civil affairs, in 

 order to prevent indignities and trouble to themselves, and 

 live the more free and unspotted in their own opinions; as 

 to which point the resolution of a true moralist should be 

 such as Gonsalvo required of a soldier, viz., &quot;Not to weave 

 his honour so fine, as for everything to catch and rend it.&quot; 



CHATTER IT. 



Division of Individual Good into Active and Passive. That of Passr O 

 Good into Conservative and Perfective. Good 01 the Commonwealth 

 divided into Geneial and Respective. 



WE divide individual or self-good into active and passive. 

 This difference of good is also found impressed upon the 

 nature of all things, but principally shows itself in two appe 

 tites of the creatures; viz., T. That of self-preservation an.1 

 defence; and, 2. That of multiplying and propagating. The 

 latter, which is active, seems stronger and more worthy thai 

 the former, which is passive; for throughout the univers3 

 the celestial nature is the principal agent, and the terrestrial 

 the patient: and in the pleasures ot animals that of genera 

 tion is greater than that of feeding; and the Scripture says, 

 &quot; It is more blessed to give than to receive.&quot; 11 And even in 

 common life, no man is so soft and effeminate, as not to 

 prefer the performing and perfecting of anything he had se ~, 

 his mind upon before sensual pleasures. The pre-eminence 

 of active good is also highly exalted from the consideration 

 of the state of mankind, which is mortal and subject to for 

 tune; for if perpetuity and certainty could be had in humai 

 pleasures, this would greatly enhance them; but as the case 

 now stands, when we count it a happiness to die late, whei 

 we cannot boast of to-morrow, when wa know not what t 

 day may bring forth, no wonder if we earnestly endeavour 

 after such things as elude the injuries of time: and these can 

 be no other than our works. Accordingly it is said, &quot; Theii 

 works follow them.&quot; b 



Another considerable pre-eminence of active good is given 



Aot Ap. xx. 35. b Apoc. xiv. 18. 



