PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

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BOOK III.
3 p-
.Relative Duties.
PART II.
OF RELATIVE DUTIES WInCH ARE INDE~
TERMINATE.
CHAPTER I.
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CHARITY.
I USE the term Charity neither in the cont ..
mon sense of bounty tq the poor, nor in St. Paul's
sense of benevolence to all mankind, but I apply it at
present, in a sense more commodious to my purpose;
to signify the promoting the happiness '!! (JUr inferiors.
Ch.!rity in this sense I take to be the principal province
of ~rirtue and religion: for whilst worldly
prudence will direct our behaviour towards our superiors,
and politeness towards our equals, there is litde
beside the consideration of duty, or an habitual humanity,
which comes into the place of consideration,
to produce a proper conduct towards those who are
beneath us, and dependent upon us.
There are three principal methods of promoting
the happiness of our inferiors.
1. By the treatment of our domestics and dependants.
2. By professional assistance.
1. By pecuniary bounty.
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