this science and the doctrines of revealed religion, and the powerful evidence which is derived, for the truth of both, from the manner in which they confirm and illustrate each other. These two sources of knowledge cannot be separated, in the estimation of any one who feels the deep interest of the inquiry, and seriously prosecutes the important question-what is truth? If we attempt to erect the philosophy of morals into an independent science, we shall soon find that its highest inductions only lead us to a point beyond which we are condemned to wander in doubt and in darkness. But, on the other hand, by depreciating philosophy, or the light which is derived from the moral impressions of the mind, we deprive ourselves of a most important source of evidence in support of revelation. For it is from these impressions, viewed in connection with the actual state of man, that we learn the necessity, and the moral probability of a revelation; and it is by principles existing in the mind that we are enabled to feel the power of that varied and incontrovertible evidence, by which revelation comes to the candid inquirer with all the authority of truth.

EDINBURGH, May, 1835.

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION BY THE AMERICAN EDITOR.

PRELIMINARY OBSERVATIONS.

SECTION I.

NATURE AND IMPORTANCE OF THE SCIENCE OF THE MORAL FEEL

INGS.

Division of the Mental Powers into Intellectual and Moral.
Harmony which ought to exist between these classes

Causes by which this harmony is interrupted, and means of counteracting them

29

30

Peculiar sources of Knowledge bearing upon it, from the light of Conscience, and of Divine Revelation

32

Interest of the Science of the Moral Feelings

SECTION II.

FIRST TRUTHS IN THE SCIENCE OF THE MORAL FEELINGS.

Analogy between First Truths, or Intuitive Principles of
Belief, in Intellectual, and in Moral Science
Classification of First Truths in Moral Science, as impres-
sions arising out of each other, by an obvious chain of re-
lations

1. Perception of the nature and quality of actions, as
just or unjust, right or wrong; and a conviction of
duties which a man owes to other men.

37

40

2. Conviction of the existence and attributes of a

Great First Cause, and Moral Governor.

3. Conviction of Moral Responsibility.

4. Impression of Future Existence.

41

41

41

Importance of these convictions, as intuitive articles of belief 42

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE MORAL FEELINGS.

Analysis of Man as a Moral Being

I. THE DESIRES, THE AFFECTIONS, and SELF-LOVE.
II. THE WILL.

III. THE MORAL PRINCIPLE, or CONSCIENCE.

IV. THE MORAL RELATION OF MAN TOWARDS THE
DEITY.

49

54

54

55

55

PART I.

THE DESIRES, THE AFFECTIONS, AND SELF-LOVE.

1. Justice to the Interests of others-Integrity

2 Justice to the Freedom of Action of others

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73

75

75

CONTENTS.

3. Justice to the Reputation of others

4. Justice in estimating the Conduct and Character of

others.

5. Justice to the Opinions of others-Candor

6. Justice to the Feelings of others

7. Justice to the Moral Condition of others

II. COMPASSION AND BENEVOLENCE

18

76

77

78

79

79

81

83

1. Benevolence towards the Distresses of others
2. Benevolence towards the Reputation of others

84

3. Benevolence towards the Character and Conduct of
others, including Forgiveness of Injuries.

84

4. Benevolence towards the Feelings of others

85

5. Benevolence towards improving the Moral Condition
of others.

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87

93

93

95

06

98

III. VERACITY.

1. The Love of Truth, in the Reception of it

2. Veracity in delivering statements, including Sincerity 90 3. Truth of Purpose, or Correct Fulfilment of Promises

IV. FRIENDSHIP, Love and GraTITUDE

V. PATRIOTISM

VI. THE DOMESTIC AFFECTIONS

VII. THE DEFENSIVE AFFECTIONS, ANGER, JEALOUSY, RE

SENTMENT

Important Influence produced upon the Exercise of the Affec

tions,

By Attention

100

By Habit

104

Feeling of Moral Approbation attached to the Exercise of the
Affections

107

Happiness arising from a due Exercise of the Affections;

PART II.

OF THE WILL.

Simple Volition,-its Origin from one of the Desires or Af

fections

Operation of Moral Causes on the Will

Nature of these Causes and Source of the Diversity of their
Operation in Different Individuals

Circumstances required for the Uniformity of their Opera

tion:

1. Knowledge

Truths of Natural and Revealed Religion.

2. Attention

Its influence on Moral Decisions.

3. Moral Habits

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123

125

128

132

136

Origin and Progress of Derangement of Moral
Harmony.

Influence of Habits upon Character

Means of Correcting Injurious Moral Habits

Practical Conclusions from these Principles. Important In-
fluence of Moral Habits
Necessity and Probability of Divine Aid in Correcting Moral
Derangement

Influence of the Mental Operation called Faith

Knowledge derived from this Source

PART III.

OF THE MORAL PRINCIPLE, OR CONSCIENCE.

Proofs of the Existence of Conscience as a Distinct Principle

of the Mind

Nature of its Operation as the Regulating Principle

Analogy between it and Reason

Its Influence in conveying an Impression of the Moral Attributes of the Deity

Comparison of the Divine Attributes with the Actual State of Man

149

151

152

156

156

159

Difficulties arising from this Comparison removed only by the Christian Revelation

160

Mental process by which the Regulating Power of Conscience is Impaired or Lost

162