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

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

From Lord of the World by Benson, Robert Hugh

Even Dr. Argure, and he is fearfully sound on the doctrine of total depravity, admits that there are some good traits about him, "natural virtues" he is careful to explain, not "saving graces."

From Laicus; Or, the Experiences of a Layman in a Country Parish. by Abbott, Lyman

The bodies they assume have not the natural virtues which they show, nor the operations of life, but those which are common to inanimate things.

From Curiosities of Literature, Vol. 1 by Disraeli, Isaac

That many of the natural virtues have this tendency to the good of society, no one can doubt of.

From A Treatise of Human Nature by Hume, David