2. Factors of moral evolution. — These factors are
threefold :

( 1) The ethical ideal. — The development of an ethical
ideal involves a conception of what one ought to be or
to do, also a sense of obligation in the person himself,
and a fixed will or steadfast purpose to do right. Moral
life is hastened or retarded as the ethical ideal is high
or low. There seems to be a gradual elevation of stand-
ard, as is shown by a comparison of the present with the
past. Certain kinds of conduct, such as gave good
standing in the past, will scarcely satisfy the require-
ments of to-day.
Notwithstanding many exceptions, there seems to
be a growing sense of personal obligation and respon-



yS SYSTEMS OF ETHICS

sibility. With an advancing ideal and an increasing
sense of obligation, the purpose to do right becomes, in
a corresponding degree, more steadfast and potent. The
advance is maintained by the consensus of opinion and
the customs of society.
(2) A moral code. — A second factor in the advance-
ment of morals is the development of a moral code, as
expressed in social customs, and as embodied in the en-
; actments of civil law. f Ethics unfolds but does not en-

I force obligation. \ It declares that men ought to do right,

\ and aids them in understanding what is right, but can

not compel them to meet their obligations. Hence the
necessity of a code of morals, the force of custom, the
precepts of religion, and the sanctions of civil law.
The moral code, however, was not made by discover-
ing abstract principles and forming them into a system.
