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

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exert or withhold. Now not only the choice of the
objec.ts, but the quantity and even the existence of
this sort of kindIless in the world, depends, ill a
great measure, upon the return wIlier! it receives;
and this is a consider~lti9n of general importance.
A second reason for cultivating a grateful temper
in ourselves is the following. The sanle principle,
'"vhich is touched with tIle kindness of a human bene-
\
factor, is capable of being affected by the divine goodness,
and of becoming, under the influence of that
affectioll, a source of th,e purest and most exalted
virtue. The love of Go.(i is the subiime. : gratitude.
It is a mistake, therefore, to imagine that this virtue
is omitted in the Christian s(ript_ures; for every
pr~ccpt, \vhich conlmands us " to love God, because
he first loved us," preStlpposes the principle of grati­
{tide, and directs it to its proper object.
It is ill1possible to particularize the several expressions
of~ gratitude, in as llluch as they vary \\1ith the
cl1aractcr and situation of tIle benefactor, and \vith
the opportunities of the person obliged; \vhich variety
admits of no bounds.
It may be. observed, hO\\TeVer, that gratitude can
ne\?cr oblige a nlan to do what is \vrong, and \vhat
by consequence he is previousl)T obliged not to do.
It is n,n ingratitude to refuse to do, \\"hat \\~e cannot
!'ccoIJcile to any apprehensions of our duty; but it
:is ingratitude and hypocrisy together, to pretend
this reason, \\'hen it is Ilot the real 011e: and the fre ..
quency of such pretences has brought this apology
For non-compliance \vith the will of a benefactor into
unnl~rited disgrace.
It 11as long been accounted a violation of delicacy
c-
and generositY,to upbraid men with the favours thc~
ha ve received; but it argues a total destitution ot
both these qualities, as well as of moral probity, to
take advantage of that a~cendency, which the conrc·rring
0f benefits justly creates, to draw or drive
those whom we have obliged into mean or dishoIlC:)t
,;omplianccs.