CHAP. XXVIII.
The definition and kinds of Virtue.
VErtue being divine, is the perfect and best affection of the Soul, which adorneth a man, and rendreth him more excel∣lent and ready, as well for speech as action, whether he do it a∣lone or with others.
Of the Vertues, some are placed in the rationall part, some in the irrationall. For whereas the Nature of the rationall part is one, that of the irascible another, that of the concupiscible ano∣ther, the perfection of these must likewise be different. That of the rationall is Prudence, of the irascible, Fortitude, of the concupis∣cible, Temperance.
Prudence is the Science of things, Good, Bad, and betwixt both.
Temperance is an apt moderation of desires and appetites; when when we call Temperance a moderation and obedience, we mean only this, that it is a faculty causing all appetites to be subjected unto it, in decent order, and submisse obedience to be comman∣ded by nature. This is the rationall part.
Fortitude is a lawfull observation of a command difficult, or not difficult, that is, it is a faculty which keepeth a lawfull precept.
Iustices is an agreement amongst all these, which causeth that the three parts of the Soul agree with one another, and that each be worthily conversant in those things which are proper, and be∣long unto it.
Thus it is a common intire perfection of these three Vertues, Prudence, Fortitude and Temperance, in such manner that reason commandeth, and the rest of the parts, each according to its se∣verall