magnanimous action which, in his circum|stances, it was possible to perform. In fai|lures of this kind, the rule that is violated is commonly not very determinate, and is ge|nerally of such a nature too that tho' the observance of it might entitle to honour and reward, the violation seems to expose to no positive blame, censure or punishment. The exercise of such virtues the casuists seem to have regarded as a sort of works of superero|gation, which could not be very strictly ex|acted, and which it was, therefore, unneces|sary for them to treat of.
The breaches of moral duty, therefore, which came before the tribunal of the con|fessor, and upon that account fell under the cognizance of the casuists, were chiefly of three different kinds.
First and principally breaches of the rules of justice. The rules here are all express and positive, and the violation of them is na|turally attended with the consciousness of de|serving, and the dread of suffering, punish|ment both from God and man.
Secondly, breaches of the rules of chastity. These in all grosser instances are real breaches of the rules of justice, and no person can be
