Observance

Observance, as allied to piety, is a subordinate yet a distinct virtue. By observance,one gives honor and respect to those who are in positions of dignity. Piety reveres excellence to which gratitude is owed. Observance reveres excellence in itself.

Those who occupy positions of dignity have excellence of office. And they should have excellence in exercising the powers of that office. On both scores, they deserve respect and honor. This respect and honor is shown them by the virtue of observance.

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 bonds than with others whom we are to revere by way of observance.