PREFACE. THE Author of this Work died in the spring of 1828, leaving in manuscript the three Essays of which it consists. We learn from himself that the undertaking originated in a belief (in which he probably is far from being alone) that the existing treatises on Moral Philosophy did not exhibit the principles nor enforce the obligations of morality in all their perfection and purity; that a work was yet wanted which should present a true and authoritative standard of rectitude-one by an appeal to which the moral character of human actions might be rightly estimated. This he here endeavours to supply. Rejecting what he considered the false grounds of duty, and erroneous principles of action which are proposed in the most prominent and most generally received of our extant theories of moral obligation, he proceeds to erect a system of morality upon what he regards as the only true and legitimate basis-the WILL OF GOD. He makes, therefore, the authority of the Deity the sole ground of duty, and His communicated will the only ultimate standard of right and wrong; and assumes, "that wheresoever this will is made known, human duty is determined;—and that neither the conclusions of philosophers, nor advantages, nor dangers, nor pleasures, nor sufferings, ought to have any opposing influence in regulating our conduct." The attempt to establish a system of such uncompromising morality, must necessarily bring the writer into direct collision with the advocates of the utilitarian scheme, particularly with Dr Paley; and accordingly it will be found that he frequently enters the lists with this great champion of Expediency. With what success-how well he exposes the fallacies of that specious but dangerous doctrine-how far he succeeds in refuting the arguments by which it is sought to be maintained, and in establishing another system of obligations and duties and rights upon a more stable foundation, must be left to the reader to determine. In thus attempting to convert a system of Moral Philosophy, dubious, fluctuating, and inconsistent with itself, into a definite and harmonious code of Scripture Ethics, the Author undertook a task for which, by the original structure of his mind and his prevailing habits of reflection, he was, perhaps, peculiarly fitted. He had sought for himself, and he endeavours to convey to others, clear perceptions of the true and the right; and in maintaining what he regarded as truth and rectitude, he shows every where an unshackled independence of mind, and a fearless, unflinching spirit. The work will be found, moreover, if we mistake not, to be the result of a careful study of the writings of moralists, of much thought, of an intimate acquaintance with the genins of the Christian religion, and an extensive observation of human life in those spheres of action which are seldom apt to attract the notice of the meditative philosopher. In proceeding to illustrate his principles, the Author has evidently sought, as far as might be, to simplify the subject, to disencumber it of abstruse and metaphysical appendages, and, rejecting subtleties and needless distinctions, to exhibit a standard of morals that should be plain, perspicuous, and practicable. Premising thus much, the work must be left to its own merits. It is the last labour of a man laudably desirous of benefiting his fellow men; and it will fulfil the Author's wish, if its effect be to raise the general tone of morals, to give distinctness to our perceptions of rectitude, and to add strength to our resolutions to virtue. The morality of the Patriarchal, Mosaic, and Chris- tian dispensations-Their moral requisitions not always coincident-Supremacy of the Christian morality-Of variations in the Moral Law-Mode of applying the precepts of Scripture to questions of duty-No formal moral system in Scripture- Criticism of Biblical morality-Of particular pre- cepts and general rules-Matt. vii. 12.-1 Cor. x. 31.-Rom. iii. 8.-Benevolence, as it is proposed Factitious semblances of devotion-Religious con- versation: Sabbatical institutions-Non-sanctity of days-Of temporal employments: Travelling: Stage-coaches: "Sunday papers:" Amusements -Holydays-Ceremonial institutions and devo- tional formularies-Utility of forms-Forms of Foundation of the Right to Property-Insolvency: Perpetual obligation to pay debts: Reform of pub- lic opinion: Examples of integrity-Wills, Lega- tees, Heirs:. Informal Wills: Intestates-Chari- table Bequests-Minor's Debts-A Wife's Debts- Bills of Exchange-Shipments-Distraints-Un- just Defendants-Extortion- Slaves - Privateers -Confiscations-Public Money-Insurance— Im· Conscience - Its nature-Its authority-Review of opinions respecting a moral sense-Bishop Butler Lord Bacon-Lord Shaftesbury-Watts-Vol- taire-Locke-Southey-Adam Smith-Paley - Rousseau-Milton-Judge Hale-Marcus Antoni- nus Epictetus-Seneca-Paul-That every hu- man being possesses a moral law-Pagans-Gra- dations of light Prophecy The immediate communication of the Divine Will perpetual-Of PROMISES.-Definition of a Promise-Parole-Ex- torted Promises-John Fletcher. LIES.-Milton's Definition-Lies in War: to Rob- bers: to Lunatics: to the Sick-Hyperbole-Irony "Political Power is rightly exercised only when it is possessed by consent of the community" Governors officers of the Public-Transfer of their rights by a whole people-The people hold the Sovereign power-Right of Governors-A conci- II. "Political Power is rightly exercised only when it subserves the welfare of the community"-In- terference with other nations-Present expedi- ents for present occasions-Proper business of III. "Political Power is rightly exercised only when it subserves the welfare of the community by means which the Moral Law permits"-The Moral Law alike binding on nations and indivi- duals-Deviation from rectitude impolitic-" The "POLITICAL POWER IS RIGHTLY POSSESSED ONLY "POLITICAL POWER IS RIGHTLY EXERCISED ONLY WHEN IT SUBSERVES THE WELFARE OF THE COMMU- CHAP. X. THE INFLUENCE OF INDIVIDUALS UPON Public notions of morality-Errors of public opi- nion: their effects-Duelling-Scottish Bench- Glory-Military virtues-Military talent-Bravery -Courage-Patriotism not the soldier's motive- Military fame-Public opinion of unchastity: In women: In men-Power of character-Character CHAP. XI. INTELLECTUAL EDUCATION, Ancient Classics-London University-The Classics in Boarding-schools-English grammar-Science and Literature-Improved system of Education— Orthography: Writing: Reading: Geography: Natural History: Biography: Natural Philosophy: Political Science-Indications of a revolution in Union of Moral principle with the affections-So- ciety-Morality of the Ancient Classics-The sup- ply of motives to virtue-Conscience-Subjuga- Duties of a Ruler-The two objects of moral legis- lation-Education of the People-Bible Society- Lotteries-Public-houses-Abrogation of bad laws -Primogeniture-Accumulation of property. CHAP. X. ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE, Substitution of justice for law-Court of Chancery -Of fixed laws-Their inadequacy-They increase litigation - Delays - Expenses - Informalities- Precedents-Verdicts - Legal proof-Courts of arbitration An extended system of arbitration -Arbitration in criminal trials-Constitution of |