Essay on the Nature and Conduct of the Passions (1728)

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Query if?

"the most extensive system to which it can reach; and consequently, that the perfection of virtue consists in having the universal calm benevolence, the prevalent affection of the mind, so as to limit and counteract not only the selfish passions, but even the particular kind affections."

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Our moral sense shows this to be the highest perfection of our nature; what we may see to be the end or design of such a structure, and consequently what is required of us by the Author of our nature: and therefore if anyone likes these descriptions better, he may call virtue, with many of the ancients, "Vita secundum naturam" "Life according to nature."; or "acting according to what we may see, from the constitution of our nature, we were intended for by our Creator."