Pass we now from the view of those who make excellence of being the standard to the view of those who make virtuousness of action the standard.
It plainly results from Edwards's psychology, and he has himself in the above quotation stated it, that virtuousness or viciousness lie in the volition itself.
The question is not whether the cause or motive be pure or impure, but whether our virtuousness or viciousness lie in the cause of our volition, or in the volition itself.
He there says, that the virtuousness of every virtuous act or choice depends upon its own nature, and not upon its origin or cause.
We admit that the virtuousness of every virtuous act lies, not in its origin or cause, but in itself.
It became him; that is, it was but just and right, he should do so, if there was enough in the virtuousness of his death and blood to require such a thing.
I name but these three, for many more might be added, to show you the plenteousness, as well as the virtuousness of the tender, great, and rich mercy of God.
