Champlin, J. T. (1861). Right acts must be grounded in the nature of things. In J. T. Champlin, First principles of ethics: Designed as a basis for instruction in ethical science in schools and colleges (pp. 53-74). New York, NY, US: Woolworth, Ainsworth, and Company.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/12198-005
Different theories have been held as to the ground of right and wrong; but they all resolve themselves into three, viz.: that this ground exists either, I. In the nature of man; or, II. In the nature or will of God; or, III. In the nature of things. It is the design of this chapter to examine these different theories with the view of ascertaining, if possible, which is true. The sections of this chapter address the following topics in the context of the three theories stated above: Different theories as to the ground of right and wrong; What is here meant by "ground"; Difference between the ground of knowing and the ground of being; What is meant by saying that this ground "is not in the nature of man"; Distinction of intuitive and discursive perceptions illustrated; The perception of right and wrong not Intuitive; What it is which deceives men in this matter; The ground of its existence may be the will of God, but not of its perception; Does the nature of God determine his own acts?; The revealed will of God not the ground of right and wrong; What is meant by the terms here employed; The thesis proved; The thesis illustrated; Confirmation of the above view; and Bishop Butler's view. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)