Final answer:
Humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance contribute to spiritual maturity, while in Franklin's list of virtues, mercy is not included; the virtues he outlined are meant to guide moral development and personal growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Humility, gentleness, patience, and forbearance are character qualities that contribute to many aspects of spiritual and moral life. One particular area where they are significant is in spiritual maturity. These qualities help an individual to grow in their spiritual journey, promoting a deeper understanding and practice of spiritual principles. Such virtues are often highlighted in religious and philosophical texts as important for the personal development of an adherent.
Franklin's Thirteen Virtues
When considering the thirteen virtues that Benjamin Franklin outlined in his moral philosophy, we find that mercy is not listed among them. The virtues he included are as follows:
Temperance
Silence
Order
Resolution
Frugality
Industry
Sincerity
Justice
Moderation
Cleanliness
Tranquillity
Chastity
Humility
Given these virtues, the answer to the question about Franklin's thirteen virtues is C) mercy, as it is not one of the virtues he enumerated.