Choose a topic from Part 2B:
1. Observance, as allied to piety, is asubordinate yet a distinct virtue. By observance,one gives honor and respect to those who are in positions ofdignity. Piety reveres excellence to which gratitude isowed. Observance reveres excellence in itself.
2. Those who occupy positions of dignity have excellenceof office. And they should have excellence in exercisingthe powers of that office. On both scores, they deserve respect andhonor. This respect and honor is shown them by the virtue ofobservance.
3. Piety is a greater virtue than observance is. For pietyreverences those who are in some way akin to us (by creation,blood, or favors conferred), and with these we have stronger bondsthan with others whom we are to revere by way of observance.
"Many words do not satisfy the soul; but a good life eases the mind and a clean conscience inspires great trust in God."
Thomas á Kempis
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"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"
Thomas á Kempis
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"The supreme perfection of man in this life is to be so united to God that all his soul with all its faculties and powers are so gathered into the Lord God that he becomes one spirit with him, and remembers nothing except God, is aware of and recognises nothing but God, but with all his desires unified by the joy of love, he rests contentedly in the enjoyment of his Maker alone."
St Albert the Great
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