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form of con
refines moral dispositions.
CONCEPTION OF VIRTUE & VICE.
Virtue, we thus see, is that form of conduct which furthers the self-realisation of man, helps him in the purification Virtue is a of the heart and the attainment of libera- duct and tion and a state of beatitude and bliss. It has a good end-an end which justifies its worth—namely perfection ; for perfection, it seems to us, is a worthy aim in itself and the pain we suffer from on our march towards it, therefore needs no apology. Virtue, inspite of the pain which it brings in its trail, is of incalcul. able use in correcting and disciplining the spirit, for it serves to soften the hard of hearts, to subdue the proud, to produce fortitude and patience, to expand the sympathies, to exercise the religious affections and lastly to refine, strengthen, nay, to elevate the entire moral disposition. It tends of its very nature to honour and life and vice to dishonour and death. And lastly it sheds upon us a deep peace, a sense of security, of resignation and hope which no sensible or earthly object can elicit. It clarifies our vision, refines our thought, purifies our heart, animates our will, and
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