OBSERVATION III. Relation of the Passions and Affections to each other. IT has frequently been remarked, that the influence of any particular passion or emotion, disposes the mid to be subjected to some other, that is of a similar nature and tendency; while it places the disposition at a remote distance from the affections of a contrary complexion. Dr. Hartley has observed, correspondent to the grand division of the passions which he had adopted, that "the five grateful passions, "Love, Desire, Hope, Joy, and pleasing 'Re"collection enhance each other; as do the "five ungrateful ones, Hatred, Aversion, Fear, "Grief, and Displeasure." Addison, Hume, Lord Kaims, have made similar remarks, and have adduced the association of ideas as the cause. But as the temper of mind produced by one affection, predisposes to the affection which is most analogous, though it may not be immediately dependent upon it, may we not infer that the as ociation of the Affections will be prior to, and introduce that of Ideas? Thus, according to the division which has been adopted in this Treatise, not only are gladness, cheerfulness, mirth, contentment, satisfaction, complacency, &c. the offsprings of Joy, but while the mind is under their pleasing influence, it is disposed to every affection of the pleasing kind, which may be inspired by very different causes, or by circumstances too trivial to excite either of these emo tions or affections, in its calm and influenced state of mind. Let us suppose, for example, the exciting cause to consist in something merely personal; yet the pleasing sensation produced, inclines at the moment, to the affections of generosity, charity, sympathy, compassion, and mercy: nay, at such seasons it is disposed to expand, that it may embrace all mankind; and the humbler acts of virtue, with which we might have been contented, at another period, will now appear contracted and unsatisfactory. Upon this principle is the custom manifestly founded, of making valuable presents to the messengers of welcome tidings, or rewarding them with some peculiar marks of complacency: a custom which has been practised in every age and nation. The overflowings of joy inspire a generosity of temper, which absolutely requires an object; and none can immediately appear more meritorious, than the person who has been the instrument, as it were, or the instrumental cause of Joy. The delectable sensation communicated to the mind of the principal participant, immediately excites in his breast a grateful affection for the person, whose communications have been the cause of it; though he may have merely acted in an official capacity; and possibly, contrary to his secret inclinations. The liberation of captives, and prisoners of various descriptions, upon accession to the throne ;-the institution of sports and pastimes, that joy may be diffused among the multitude, upon events apparently replete with much future happiness, as on births, marriages, and on the arrival of a young heir to the possession of an ample fortune;-the pleasing incitements of illuminations, fire-works, distributing good cheer to the populace, are universally felt as harmonizing with the exhilarated state of mind, which welcome tidings, of a private or public nature, are calculated to excite. In like manner does the lustre of great actions, inspire us with a certain respect for those most intimately connected with the Agent, whom we consider as the parent stock, productive of merit in every ramification; or as able to shed desert over every connection. Under the influence of these grateful and liberal principles, we are induced to imagine that children are entitled to share the rewards due to their parents. Hence those hereditary honours which too frequently irradiate the Unworthy, and demonstrate that the generous inference is not always conclusive. From these associating affections it proceeds, that the perception of good qualities centered in the Mind of any one, disposes to an attachment to his Person. Favourable impressions inspire an inclination to cultivate friendship; and friendship between the sexes has a powerful tendency to inspire love. That love, which, in delicate minds, appears to be at the remotest distance from every thing sensual, will finally excite the stronger and warmer passions. Nor are we without many instances of these becoming most impetuous, from their being founded upon sentimental refinements. As the passion of Sorrow proceeds from the loss of what we have loved, it may imperceptibly dispose, in persons whose passions are strong but very transient,-to the affection of Love towards the object commiserating our loss. No one can appear so worthy of the transfer, as the friend who sympathizes deeply with the affliction. The Poet has justly observed that "Pity is akin to love." In these moments, the commiserator forgets every fault, even where he knows that fault exists. He brings forward every good quality, which in his opinion, renders the Afflicted less deserving of their sufferings. We may also add that the gratitude which this pity inspires, is accompanied with the most favourable sentiments of the humane disposition, and has a tendency to produce a predilection for the person of the sympathizer. In short, whatever gives birth to any of the kindly affections, may be productive of personal predilections, and terminate in love, both as an affection and a passion. Othello says of Desde, mona, She lov'd me for the dangers I had pass'd, Nor can the dramatic Writer be accused of exaggeration, who represents the beautiful and accomplished Zemira, as passionately fond of the generous monster Azore, whom she at first viewed with horror and detestation. To this pleasing association is it also to be ascribed, that we are so prone to be blind to the faults of those we love. We are eager to represent to ourselves those persons who have taken possession of our esteem, as being en tirely worthy of it. We dwell upon every good |