[40] Robertson, History of the Reign of the Emperor Charles V. i. 282 sq.
[41] Smollett, quoted by Kames, Sketches of the History of Man, iv. 380.
[42] Simonde de Sismondi, Histoire des républiques italiennes du moyen-âge, xvi. 419.
It should also be remembered that the religious sanction of moral rules only too often leads to an external observance of these rules from purely selfish motives. Christianity itself has, essentially, been regarded as a means of gaining a blessed hereafter. As for its influence upon the moral life of its adherents I agree with Professor Hobhouse that its chief strength lies not in its abstract doctrines but in the simple personal following of Christ.[43] In moral education example plays a more important part than precept. But even in this respect Christianity has unfortunately little reason to boast of its achievements.
[43] Hobhouse, Morals in Evolution, ii. 159.
CHAPTER LIII
CONCLUSION
WE have completed our task. Only a few words will be added to emphasise the leading features of our theory of the moral consciousness and to point out some general conclusions which may be drawn as regards its evolution.
Our study of the origin and development of the moral ideas was divided into three main sections. As moral ideas are expressed in moral judgments, we had to examine the general nature of both the predicates and the subjects of such judgments, as well as the moral valuation of the chief branches of conduct with which the moral consciousness of mankind concerns itself. And in each case our aim was not only to describe or analyse but also to explain the phenomena which came under our observation.
The theory was laid down that the moral concepts, which form the predicates of moral judgments, are ultimately based on moral emotions, that they are essentially generalisations of tendencies in certain phenomena to call forth either indignation or approval. It was therefore necessary for us to investigate the nature and origin of these emotions, and subsequently to consider their relations to the various moral concepts.