ABSTRACT
Honesty is a general Probity of Mind, an Aptitude to Act justly and honourably in all Cases, religious and civil, and to all Persons superiour or inferior. The Honesty is of so qualifying a Nature, that 'tis the most Denominative of all possible Virtues: An Honest Man is the best Title can be given in the World. The sovereign Judge of every Man's Honesty has laid us down a general Rule, to which all the Particulars are resolved, Quod tibi fieri non vis, alteri ne feceris. Honesty is Equity, every Man is Lord Chancellor to himself; and if he would consult that Principle within him, would find Reason as fair an Advocate for his Neighbour, as for himself. Honesty, like Friendship, is try'd in Affliction; and he that cries out loudest against those who in the Time of this Tryal are forc'd to give Ground, would perhaps yield as far in the like Shock of Misfortune.
