"There is another at hand, which the substitution of this phantom too often destroys--it is Conscience--whose voice, were it not stifled (sometimes by this very false and spurious Honour ) would lead directly to that liberal construction of the rules of morality which is here contended for."
— Mackenzie, Henry (1745-1831)
Author
Work Title
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell
Date
1773
Metaphor
"There is another at hand, which the substitution of this phantom too often destroys--it is Conscience--whose voice, were it not stifled (sometimes by this very false and spurious Honour ) would lead directly to that liberal construction of the rules of morality which is here contended for."
Metaphor in Context
But some principle is required to draw a line of action, above the mere precepts of moral equity,
"Beyond the fixt and settled rules;"
and for this purpose is instituted the motive of Honour:--there is another at hand, which the substitution of this phantom too often destroys--it is Conscience--whose voice, were it not stifled (sometimes by this very false and spurious Honour ) would lead directly to that liberal construction of the rules of morality which is here contended for. Let my children never suffer this monitor to speak unheeded, nor drown its whispers, amidst the din of pleasure, or the bustle of life. Consider it as the representative of that Power who spake the soul into being, and in whose disposal existence is! To listen therefore to his unwritten law which he promulgates by its voice, has every sanction which his authority can give. It were enough to say that we are mortal;--but the argument is irresistible, when we remember our Immortality.
(pp. 74-75)
"Beyond the fixt and settled rules;"
and for this purpose is instituted the motive of Honour:--there is another at hand, which the substitution of this phantom too often destroys--it is Conscience--whose voice, were it not stifled (sometimes by this very false and spurious Honour ) would lead directly to that liberal construction of the rules of morality which is here contended for. Let my children never suffer this monitor to speak unheeded, nor drown its whispers, amidst the din of pleasure, or the bustle of life. Consider it as the representative of that Power who spake the soul into being, and in whose disposal existence is! To listen therefore to his unwritten law which he promulgates by its voice, has every sanction which his authority can give. It were enough to say that we are mortal;--but the argument is irresistible, when we remember our Immortality.
(pp. 74-75)
Categories
Provenance
LION
Citation
At least 12 entries in ESTC (1773, 1783, 1787, 1792, 1795, 1799).
Text from The Man of the World. In Two Parts (London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1773). <Link to LION>
Text from The Man of the World. In Two Parts (London: Printed for W. Strahan; and T. Cadell, 1773). <Link to LION>
Date of Entry
10/20/2014
