so this system seems to have the contrary defect, of not sufficiently explain|ing from whence arises our approbation of the inferior virtues of prudence, vigilance, circumspection, temperance, constancy, firm|ness. The view and aim of our affections, the beneficent and hurtful effects which they tend to produce, are the only qualities that are at all attended to in this system. Their propriety and impropriety, their suitableness and unsuitableness to the cause which ex|cites them, are disregarded altogether.
Regard to our own private happiness and interest too, appear upon many occasions very laudable principles of action. The habits of oeconomy, industry, discretion, attention and application of thought, are generally supposed to be cultivated from self-interested motives, and at the same time are appre|hended to be very praise-worthy qualities, which deserve the esteem and approbation of every body. The mixture of a selfish motive, it is true, seems often to sully the beauty of those actions which ought to arise from a be|nevolent affection. The cause of this, how|ever, is not that self-love can never be the
