require, is a discharge of all the obligations we are under to them.

As human nature is not one simple uniform thing but a composition of
various parts, body, spirit, appetites, particular passions, and
affections, for each of which reasonable self-love would lead men to
have due regard, and make suitable provision, so society consists of
various parts to which we stand in different respects and relations,
and just benevolence would as surely lead us to have due regard to
each of these and behave as the respective relations require.
Reasonable goodwill and right behaviour towards our fellow-creatures
are in a manner the same, only that the former expresseth the
principle as it is in the mind; the latter, the principle as it were
become external, i.e., exerted in actions.

And so far as temperance, sobriety, and moderation in sensual
pleasures, and the contrary vices, have any respect to our fellow-
creatures, any influence upon their quiet, welfare, and happiness,
as they always have a real, and often a near influence upon it, so
far it is manifest those virtues may be produced by the love of our
neighbour, and that the contrary vices would be prevented by it.
Indeed, if men's regard to themselves will not restrain them from
excess, it may be thought little probable that their love to others
will be sufficient: but the reason is, that their love to others is
not, any more than their regard to themselves, just, and in its due
degree. There are, however, manifest instances of persons kept
sober and temperate from regard to their affairs, and the welfare of
those who depend upon them. And it is obvious to every one that
habitual excess, a dissolute course of life, implies a general
neglect of the duties we owe towards our friends, our families, and
our country.