10 Sept 1811

Jug Util

8

B.II. Under Revelation

Ch.

8

Vitiating Conceptions

II. Exaggeration

Jesus's precepts.

(7)

Consider in another point of view this same precept we shall find it at any rate much less dangerous, much more purely if not extremely useful, in the character of a rule of prudence: and if benevolence be a virtue, /neither is/ prudence excluded from the catalogue of the virtues.

But it is not in any such characters (that it is there presented) that it is even spoken of as presented by Jesus.

In your dealings with another man, think how you yourself would on the occasion in question like to be dealt with, whether in your own place /situation/ or in his in so far as by a stretch of the imagination it may be in your power to put /place/ yourself in his.

This only, though not without the requisite allowance for differences of feeling as resulting from differences in situation, will serve you /help/ /be of assistance in you/ in /determining/ your endeavours to determine whether and in what degree the mode of conduct which in the first impulse it occurs to you to observe towards him the effect would be likely to produce on his part uneasiness or satisfaction and thence as towards yourself goodwill or displeasure.

18.

Rule of prudence an undangerous and more extensively useful character in which unlimited rule of benevolence might be, but is not, applied. Prudence a virtue as well as benevolence. On such occasions to avoid ill will and ill offices and imitate good will and good offices think what in the event of your doing or not doing what you propose would in his situation be your own feelings.

19.

So far as due allowance is made for difference of feeling probably produced by difference of situation, this not merely the best but the only recourse for forming a right judgment on the question whether of the /act/ proposed the result will be in his part uneasiness or satisfaction, and as towards yourself good will and eventual good offices or ill will and correspondent offices.