'47 8 Dr. Barnes on the Fowir 



to the other fubjefls, or excite palTions of dif- 

 ferent natures, both of which are certainly, in 

 fome degree, in the power of the mind, we fo far 

 leffen the pangs of corporeal pain. The mere 

 diverfion of thought, by whatever means, is of 

 great ufe. It is probable, that the mind cannot 

 receive two perceptions at the fame inftant. 

 Every moment, therefore, of fuch diverfion, is 

 a paufe from fuffering. Or, if it be admitted 

 that they may be ifochronous, yet the effe6t of 

 the one, if of a different kind, will be to dimi- 

 nifh the other. If, indeed, both the perceptions 

 be of the fame nature; if, to the torture of bodily 

 pain, be added the diftrefs of mental anguifh; 

 the one, compounding itfelf with the other, 

 will exceedingly increafe the fenfibility. Com- 

 pare the feelings of a perfon, fuffering under 

 fome violent difeafe, from the confequences of 

 his own guilt — with thofe of another perfon, 

 fuffering the fame afflidlion, for the teftimony 

 of a good confcience, in the caufe of liberty, or 



virtue ! • 



When fenfation is acute, thought virill not 

 eafily be diverted. A ftronger gale of affedion, 

 or of paffiCMi, will be neceffary to turn it from 

 its courfe. And we have already faid, that 

 paffions of every kind, whilft they continue in 

 their ftrengh, are able to produce this cffeft. 

 For .the moment, there is little difference be- 

 tween joy and forrow, anger or fondnefs. The 



fuddcn 



