It rarely happens that we break in upon that plan of conduct which the governing principle prescribes, and which in all our cool hours we had laid down to ourselves as what was most proper for us to pursue, but when prompted by one or other of those two different sets of passions; either by ungo|vernable ambition and resentment, or by the importunate sollicitations of present ease and pleasure. But tho' these two orders of pas|sions are so apt to mislead us, they are still considered as necessary parts of human na|ture: The first having been given to defend us against injuries, to assert our rank and dignity in the world, to make us aim at what is noble and honourable, and to make ••s distinguish those who act in the same man|ner; the second to provide for the suppo•••• and necessities of the body.
In the strength, acuteness and perfection 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the governing principle was placed the essen|tial virtue of prudence, which, according 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Plato consisted in a just and clear discern|ment, founded upon general and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ideas, of the ends which were proper to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pursued, and of the means which were pr••••per for attaining them.
