318 UNIVERSAL OBLIGATION without glaringly trespassing on the laws of propriety or custom. - Self is the source and centre of all his actions ; but though this governing principle is always on the watch for its gratification, yet, as part of that gratification depends on a certain degreeof reputation, it frequently leads him to do right things though with- out right motives ; for the main-spring sometimes sets the right in motion as well as the wrong. He goes, to church on all public oc- casions, but without deyotion ; gives alms without charity ; sub,scribes to public in- stitutions without being interested in their prosperity, except as they are fre- quently succeeded by a pleasant dinner and good company, and as the subscrip- tion-list of names he knows will be pub- lished. He lives on good terms with different, and even opposite classes, of men, withoUt being attached to any ; he does them favours without affection, knowing that he shall have occasion to solicit favours in return, for he never
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