"Men are more accountable for their motives, than for anything else; and primarily, morality consists in the motives, that is in the affections"

Archibald Alexander's quote suggests that men are much more in charge of their intentions and motivations than for their actions. He believes that morality is based upon the love and inspirations of an individual, rather than on the actions they take. This implies that it is not necessarily the action itself that is immoral, yet the purpose behind it. Alexander's quote recommends that it is important to consider the objectives of a private when judging their morality, as it is these intentions that will certainly establish the morality of their activities. This quote motivates us to think more deeply concerning the purposes of others, as well as to take into consideration the inspirations behind their activities. It also suggests that it is very important to be conscious of our own inspirations and purposes, as these will ultimately establish the morality of our activities.