274 Al>VAKOEMfiJfT OF tfiARiflSO. [fiOOR ViL 



observed in some of the most ancient pliilosoi)liers of great 

 repute, wlio 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., " Not to weave 

 his honour so fine, as for everything to catch and rend it.** 



CHAPTER IT. 



Division of Individual Good into Active and Passive. That of Passivo 

 Good into Conservative and Perfective. Good oi the Commonwealth 

 divided into Geneial and Respective. 



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

 This diflfereuce of good is also found impressed upon the 

 nature of all things, but jn-incipally shows itself in two appe- 

 tites of the creatures; viz., — 1. That of self-preservation and 

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

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

 the former, which is passive ; for throughout the universe 

 the celestial nature is the principal agent, and the terrestrial 

 the patient; and in the pleasures of animals that of genera- 

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

 " It is more blessed to give than to receive."^ And even in 

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

 prefer the performing and perfecting of anything he had set 

 his mind upon before sensual pleasures. The pre-eminenco 

 of active good is also highly exalted from the consideration 

 of tlie state of mankind, which is mortal and subject to for- 

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

 ])leasures, this would greatly enhance them; but as the case 

 now stands, when Ave count it a happiness to die late, when 

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

 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, " Their 

 works follow them."** 



Another considerable pre-eminence of active good is given 



* Aot0 Ap. XX. 85. ** Apoc. xiv. 18. 



