something belonging to the relation of brother.

FRATERNAL Affection is the love and attachment subsisting among, or due to one another by, children of the same family.

Though all mankind sprung from the same head, are bound to cultivate a mutual good will to each other; yet this duty is not so obvious and striking as that which is incumbent on those who belong to the same family. Nothing can approach nearer to self love than fraternal affection: and there is but a short remove from our own concerns and happiness, to theirs who come from the same stock, and are partakers of the same blood. Nothing, therefore, can be more horrible than discord and animosity among members so allied; and nothing so beautiful as harmony and love.

This relation is formed by nature, not by choice; and though it has many things in common with, yet it is prior to, the obligations of friendship: consequently nature and reason dictate that there should be a peculiar affection between brethren. We are not obliged, however, to make a brother or sister an intimate or bosom friend in preference to one who is not akin. Diversity of temper, and want of suitable qualifications, may render it unsafe and improper. But where friendship and fraternity meet in the same persons, such a conjunction adds a lustre to the relation.

Among brethren, a hearty benevolence, an ardent concern for each other's welfare, a readiness to serve and promote it, are the peculiar offices of this relation; and though friends are to have their share, yet the claim of kindred is first and ordinarily strongest. "Necessearia praedicta vitae debentur sis maxime (says Cicero), quos ante dixi, i.e. propinquos): vita autem, viuclique communis, concilia, fermones, &c. in amicitia viget maxime." De Officiis.