2.10

Theophrastus in comparing the Degrees of Faults, (as we commonly speak,2) talks like a Philosopher, where he affirms that those Instances of Misbehaviour which proceed from Desire, are greater than those of which Anger was the occasion. For a Man that is Angry seems to quit his Hold unwillingly, to be teaz'd out of his Reason, and start out of Rule before he is aware. But he that runs Riot out of Appetite and Pleasure is sway'd by a Libertine Principle, and appears a more scandalous Offender. The Philosopher therefore was certainly right in pronouncing upon the Difference of the Case. For the first looks like an injured Person, and is vext, and as it were forced into a Passion, whereas the other begins with Inclination, and commits the Fault with a Gust.

Translator Notes

  1. 2.
    This is said because the Stoicks esteem'd all Sins equal.