SECTION VI. 455 good piece of clock-work and its author : But we contemn an ill paintingor any bungling performance, as well as the maker of it, that is considered in that view. And if any plain and com- mon engine be made well, yet if it be proposed to us as a pre- tended piece of art, in that view we despise it. If our esteem be raised by an object which has any thing in it either grand and sublime, or solemn and sacred, it is called reverence or veneration. So we reverence the persons and the counsels of our parents and superiors : We have a veneration for the holy bible, for the memory of the prophets and apostles, and for the names of St. Austin, and Sir Isaac Newton. And, I think, when this veneration or high esteem has God for its object,it may be properly termed adoration or inward worship. Our esteem of God, or adoration, manifests itself in never mentioninghis name without awe and reverence, in bowing the knee, in prayer.and praise, in all the several forms of outward devotion, and in quick resentment of any dishonour done to him. Our high esteem or veneration of a man appears in a humble respectful behaviour toward him, speaking his praises, imitating his excellencies, and resenting his dishonours. Contempt dis- covers itself by turning the back, shrinking up the nose, thrust- ing out the lip, by derision and laughter, and terms of ridicule and jeering. As we esteem an excellent object, and contemn what is worthless ; sa, it may be enquired,here, whether there be not a sort of affection which arises especially towards an intelligent object that has some disagreeable and dishonourable qualities, and which wemay calldisesteem or disapprobation. Dishonour- able qualities are distinct from those which are merely worthless, and raise a motion of the mind, a little different from contempt. Nor yet is disesteem quite thesame thingwith displicence. As we manifest our esteem, disesteem,,and contempt of other persons and things ; so we ourselves may be the objects of the sameaffections working in our own minds. If we esteem ourselves and our owngood qualities no higher than they deserve, it has been called by some writers generosity, which is a just sense of of one's own worth, and which has some valuable effects in human life : But this word is more used for bounty. A due courage; a just fortitude, and magnanimity, a readi- ness to meet dangers, or to undertake great exploits are the natural effects of this generosity. And, if at the same time, we consider that our nature is subject to many errors, follies and weaknesses, and that we have been guilty of many actions that diminish our reputation, honour or worth; that will raise in us some disapprobation or disesteem of ourselves. This is the be- coming affection of;humility, which is very consistent with the generosity before-mentioned.
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