and those we dread, may be occasioned by a conduct calculated to excite our Anger. In consequence of such combinations, many of the affections under this class become so complicated, as to render it difficult to give them a specific arrangement.

Those which are the least complex demand our first attention.

I. SORROW.

IT is scarcely necessary to observe, that Sorrow is the direct opposite of Joy. It expresses a mental suffering, under the privation of some good which we actually possessed, or concerning which we entertained a pleasing expectation. The one we term Loss, the other a Disappointment. When the loss or disappointment has been very great, and we feel it as a privation of something upon which our affections were strongly placed; when the event arrived in a sudden and unexpected manner, so that the mind was not able to collect itself or prepare for it, this passion produces extreme anguish. Surprise, Wonder, and Astonishment, exert their powerful influence, and greatly augment the pangs of sorrow. The senses are troubled; the soul is overwhelmed, and

sometimes sinks into a painful stupefaction. This state marks the Passion of Sorrow, according to the distinctions noticed in the preceding pages; for it is here that the mind is perfectly passive. As soon as it is able to collect its powers, it wanders over, and exaggerates, every distressing circumstance, every possible disadvantage that may be consequent upon the loss, until tumultuous emotions are excited, bordering upon phrensy. Violent agitations, and restless positions of the body, extension of the arms, clapping of the hands, beating the breast, tearing the hair, loud sobs and sighs, manifest to the spectator the inward agony of the soul. Such are the Emotions, which indicate the nature and strength of the Passion. Sometimes a flood of tears relieves these pathognomonic symptoms. Universal lassitude and a sense of debility succeed, with deep dejection of countenance, and languor in the eyes, which seem to look around, and solicit in vain for assistance and relief. thing, which used to communicate pleasure and inspire vivacity, appears frivolous, or becomes indifferent to the mind. The only delight which is now enjoyed, is to contemplate the cause of its affliction; to enumerate all the excellencies and advantages of that which

Every

was once possessed, or might have been possessed; and fondly to dwell upon each. Thus the Emotions gradually sink into permanent Affections.

Grief is sometimes considered as synonymous with Sorrow; and in this case we speak of the transports of grief. At other times it expresses more silent, deep, and painful affections; such as are inspired by domestic calamities; particularly by the loss of friends and relatives; or by the distress, either of body or mind, experienced by those whom we love and value.

When the mind is very deeply impressed with a sense of calamity, for a continuance, and the attention cannot by any means be diverted from it, the subject is in a state of Melancholy.

This affection manifests itself by dejection of spirits, debility of mind and body, obstinate and insuperable love of solitude, universal apathy, and a confirmed listlessness, which emaciate the corporeal system, and not unfrequently trouble the brain.

It is a striking characteristic of deep Sorrow that it is of a tacit and uncommunicative nature. In this also it is the opposite to Joy. After the violent effusions of the mind, in the first emotions, it subsides into a pensive and

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reserved state.

It attempts concealment, even from the bosom of a friend; like Viola in Shakespear,

Who never told her love:

But let concealment, like a worm in the bud,
Feed on her damask cheek.

This disposition may proceed from some peculiar delicacy in the cause of grief,-from that indolence, which is the reverse both of the vivacity and loquacity of joy,-from the apprehension that the many will not sympathize with the sufferer,--and from a reluctance to afflict the few that will.

The above remarks refer to Sorrow, when it is excited by more simple causes, and is unconnected with any other affection; but it is very frequently blended with other affections, by means of which it is greatly diversified. Sometimes it assumes the appearance of discontent and dissatisfaction. The first is mostly inspired by a comparison of our situation with that of others, and the discovery of an humiliating inferiority. The other principally refers to the disappointment of our desires, or to a partial and imperfect accomplishment of our ardent wishes. In disappointments, where the affections have been strongly placed, and the expectations sanguine,

particularly where the agency of others is concerned, sorrow may degenerate into Vexation and Chagrin; which are still higher degrees of dissatisfaction. They all imply an irritated, as well as sorrowful state of mind.

Impatience, is also a mixture of Sorrow and Anger, under the immediate sensation of something irksome; or at the causes of delay, where any desirable object is in expectancy.

Repining, is Sorrow united with a degree of resentment against some superior agent, where the mind dares not to break forth into strong expressions of anger.

Sympathetic Sorrow, is that species of sorrow we participate with others, in consequence of our social connections, or the general benevolence of our natures. This will be more amply considered hereafter.

Of the virtuous affections inspired by Sorrow, which are personal, the most conspicuous are, Patience, Resignation, and Humility. These by their habitual influence often form the disposition and character.

In the exercise of Patience, the mind has wisely determined to render the evil as light as possible, by counteracting the usual effects of sorrow or vexation. It endures actual suffer