The theory of moral sentiments: By Adam Smith, ...

considered under two different aspects, or in two different relations: First, in re|lation to the cause or object which ex|cites it; and, secondly, in relation to the end which it proposes, or to the effect which it tends to produce: that upon the suitableness or unsuitableness, upon the proportion or disproportion, which the affection seems to bear to the cause or ob|ject which excites it, depends the proprie|ty or impropriety, the decency or ungrace|fulness of the consequent action; and that upon the beneficial or hurtful effects which the affection proposes or tends to produce, depends the merit or demerit, the good or ill desert of the action to which it gives occasion. Wherein consists our sense o•• the propriety or impropriety of actions, has been explained in the former part of thi•• discourse. We come now to consider, where|in consists that of their good or ill de|sert.