The Nature of True Virtue in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - I - Chapters 1, 2 & 3

Required reading
The Nature of True Virtue in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapters 1, 2 and 3 of 'Dissertation concerning the nature of true virtue'.

My summary.

Now we begin a new work on the nature of true virtue.  

In Chapter 1 Edwards proposes that true virtue most essentially consists in benevolence to being in general: it is that propensity and union of the heart to being in general which is immediately exercised in a a general good will.

Then in Chapter 2 we learn that true virtue must chiefly consist in love to God; the being of beings, infinitely the greatest and best.

Chapter 3 then considers other secondary and inferior kinds of beauty that are erroneously confounded with real virtue: other qualities, sensations, propensities and affections of mind and principles of action (including justice).

What grabbed me

I liked the second answer to the objection that our fellow-creatures, not God, are the proper objects of our benevolence because we cannot be profitable to God: '2. Though we are not able to give any thing to God, which we have of our own, independently; yet we may be the instruments of promoting his glory, in which he takes a true and proper delight. Whatever influence such an objection may seem to have on the minds of some, yet is there any that owns the being of a God, who will deny that any benevolent affection is due to God, and proper to be exercised towards him? If no benevolence is to be exercised towards God, because we cannot profit him, then, for the same reason, neither is gratitude to be exercised towards him for his benefits to us; because we cannot requite him. But where is the man, who believes a God and a providence, that will say this?'

Although God does not need our love, he still delights in it.

Next week's readingRead Chapters 4 and 5 of 'Dissertation concerning the nature of true virtue'.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.