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THE GOODNESS OP THE DEITY, 



But it will be said, that the instances which we have here 

 brought forward, whether of vivacity or repose, or of appa- 

 rent enjoyment derived from either, are picked and favour- 

 able instances. We answer, First, that they are instances, 

 nevertheless, which comprise large provinces of sensitive 

 existence ; that every case which we have described, is the 

 case of millions At this moment, in every given moment ot 

 time, how many myriads of animals are eating their food, 

 gratifying their appetites, ruminating in their holes, accom- 

 plishing their wish, s, pursuing their pleasures, taking their 

 pastimes ! In each individual how many things must go 

 right for it to be at ease ; yet how large a proportion out of 

 every species, is so in every assignable instant ! Second- 

 ly, we contend, in the terms of our original proposition, that 

 throughout the whole of life, as it is diffused in nature, and 

 as far as we are acquiiinted with it, looking to the average 

 of sensations, the plurality and the preponderancy is in fa- 

 vour of happiness by a vast excess. In our own species, in 

 which perhaps the assertion may be more questionable than 

 in any other, the prepollency of good over evil, of health, 

 for example, and ease, over pain and distress, is evinced by 

 the very notice which calamities excite. What inquiries 

 does the sickness of our friends produce 1 What conversa- 

 tion their misfortunes'? This shows that the common 

 course of things is in favour of happiness ; that happiness 

 is the rule, misery the exception. Were the order revers- 

 ed, our attention would be called to examples of health and 

 competency, instead of disease and want. 



One great cause of our insensibility to the goodness of 

 the Creator is the very eite?isivejiess of his bounty. We 

 prize but little, what we share only in common with the 

 rest, or with the generality, of our species. When we hear 

 of blessings, we think forthwith of successes, of prosperous 

 fortunes, of honours, riches, preferments, i e. of those ad- 

 vantages and superiorities over others, which we happen 

 either to possess, or to be in pursuit of, or to covet. The 

 common benefits of our nature entirely escape us. Yet 

 these are the great things. These constitute, what most 

 properly ought to be accounted blessings of Providence ; 

 what alone, if we might so speak, are worthy of its care. 

 Nightly rest, and daily bread, the ordinary use of our limbs^ 

 ■md senses, and understandings, are crifts which admit of no 

 comparison with any other. Yet, because almost every 

 man we meet v;ith possesses these, we leave them out of 

 • *nr enumeration. They raise no sentiment : they move no 



