204 ott delicacy of sentiment.: '^^i- ^S' 



teaches men to feel for others as for themselves ; it 

 disposes us to rejoice with the happy, anfl, by par- 

 taking, to increase their pleasure. It frequently ex- 

 cludes the malignant pafsions, which are the sources 

 of the greatest misery in life. It excites a pleasing 

 sensation in our own breast, which, if its duration 

 he considered, may be placed among the highest gra- 

 tifications of sense. The only ill consequence that 

 can be apprehended from it is, an effeminacy of minxl, 

 which may disqualify us for vigorous pursuits and 

 manly exertions. 



In the most succefsful course of life, obstacles will 

 impede, and disagreeable circumstances disgust. To 

 bear these, without feeling them, is sometimes necef- 

 sary in the right conduct of life : but he who is 

 tremblingly alive all over, and whose sensibility ap- 

 proaches to sorenefs, avoids the contest in which he 

 knows he must be hurt. He fecb injuries never 

 committed ; and resents affronts never intended. 

 Disgusted with men and manners, he either seeks, 

 retirement, to indulge his melancholy, or, weakened 

 by continual chagrin, he conducts himself with folly 

 and imprudence. 



How then Ihall we avoid the extreme of a disposi- 

 tion, which, in the due medium, is productive of the 

 most salutary consequences ? In this excefs, as well 

 as all others, reason must be called in to moderate. 

 Sensibility must not be permitted to sink us into 

 that state of indolence, which effectually reprefses 

 those manly sentiments that may very well consist 

 with the roost delicate. The greatest mildnefs is 

 commonly united with the greatest fortitude in the 



