natural virtues

British  

plural noun

1. (esp among the scholastics) those virtues of which man is capable without direct help from God, specifically justice, temperance, prudence, and fortitude Compare theological virtues

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Example Sentences

Some Renaissance thinkers praised the Indians as innocent “noble savages” whose natural virtues mocked the vices of civilized Christians, though exaggerated accounts of Indian innocence were as unrealistic as contrasting reports of Indian savagery.

From Textbooks • Jan. 18, 2018

With all, moreover, Father Hecker insisted on the practice of the natural virtues, honesty, temperance, truthfulness, kindliness. courage, and manliness generally, as preceding any practical move towards the higher life.

From Life of Father Hecker by Elliott, Walter

In fact, natural virtues had suddenly waxed luxuriant, and supernatural virtues were despised.

From Lord of the World by Benson, Robert Hugh

The real difference between Paganism and Christianity is perfectly summed up in the difference between the pagan, or natural, virtues, and those three virtues of Christianity which the Church of Rome calls virtues of grace.

From Heretics by Chesterton, G. K. (Gilbert Keith)

Its works of righteousness, however, are often uncalled-for exaggerations of natural virtues, such as counting sacred all forms of animal and vegetable life.

From A Tour of the Missions Observations and Conclusions by Strong, Augustus Hopkins