7. Men's actions convince us that the rule of virtue is not their internal principle.
For, if we will not in civility
allow too much sincerity to the professions of most men, but think their actions to be the interpreters of their
thoughts, we shall find that they have no such internal veneration for these rules, nor so full a persuasion of their
certainty and obligation. The great principle of morality, "To do as one would be done to," is more commended
than practised. But the breach of this rule cannot be a greater vice, than to teach others, that it is no moral rule, nor
obligatory, would be thought madness, and contrary to that interest men sacrifice to, when they break it
themselves. Perhaps conscience will be urged as checking us for such breaches, and so the internal obligation and
establishment of the rule be preserved.
