Observance

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.

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.

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.