Chap. III - Of Virtue in General

Summary

Of Vertue in General. The Distribution of it into its several Kinds, its Definition.

BEFORE we come to treat of particular Vertues, it is very fit that we speak something of VERTUE in General.

VERTUE is a comprehensive Word, by explaining which we shall make the way more easy to the right Understanding of all those particular Vertues, into which it is divided. Forasmuch as the Nature of Vertue enters into knowledge, Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence, Courage, Meekness, Humility, Temperance, Justice, Liberality, &c. Every one of these hath its essence opened in part, by the explication of that which entreth its Nature, which is VERTUE in General.

THE Predicament of Quality contains within it either Natural Dispositions or Habits: Habits may be either Vertuous or Vicious; Virtuous Habits are either Theological, Intellectual, Moral, or Divine. And these are branched into so many Kinds of Vertue, as followeth.

THE Theological Vertues are generally divided into Three, Faith, Hope, and Charity: which are called Theological, because they have GOD for their Principal Object, and are, in a peculiar manner, taught by his Word among the Mysteries of Religion. To which we may add Repentance; forasmuch as this Virtue, tho it be occasioned by sin, is chiefly taught by the Word of GOD, and respects GOD as its Principal Object. For which reason we shall account the Theological Virtues to be four, Faith, Hope, Charity and Repentance, to which, if we make them more, we may add Obedience, Devotion, Godliness.

THE Intellectual Vertues are generally reckoned to be five, Intelligence, Wisdome, Science, Prudence, Art. Which, forasmuch as the Distinction between them is over-nice and curious (at least too obscure for vulgar Apprehensions) we shall reduce them perhaps to a fewer number.

INTELLIGENCE is the Knowledg of Principles; Science the Knowledg of Conclusions. Wisdom, that knowledg, which results from the Union of both Prudence and Art, has been more darkly explained. The Objects of Wisdom are alwayes Stable; Prudence is that knowledge, by which we guide our selves in Thorny and uncertain Affairs; Art is that Habit, by which we are assisted in composing Tracts and Systems, rather then in regulating our Lives, and more frequently appears in Fiddling and Dancing, then in noble Deeds: were it not useful in Teachers for the Instruction of others, we should scarce reckon it in the number of Vertues.