THE GOODNESS OP THE DEITV. 261 



gratitude. Now, herein, is our judgment perverted by our 

 selfishness. A blessing ought, in truth, to be the moj-e sat- 

 isfactory, the bounty at least of the donor is rendered more 

 conspicuous, by its very diifusion, its coiiiaionness, its cheap- 

 ness ; by its falling to the lot, and forming the happiness, 

 of the great bulk and body of our species, as well as of our- 

 selves. Nay, even when we do not possess it, it ought to 

 be matter of thankfulness that others do. But we have a 

 different way of thinking. We court distinction. That 

 is not the worst ; we can see nothing but what has dis- 

 tinction to recommend it. This necessarily contracts our 

 views of the Creator's beneficence within a narrow com- 

 pass ; and most unjustly. It is in those things which are 

 so common as to be no distinction, that the amplitude of 

 the divine benignity is perceived. 



But pain, no doubt, and privations, exist, in numerous 

 instances, and to a degree, which, collectively, would be 

 very great, if they were compared with any other thing than 

 with the mass of animal fruition. For the application, 

 therefore, of our proposition to that mixed state of things 

 which these exceptions induce, two rules are necessary, and 

 both, I think, just and fiiir rules. One is, that we regard 

 those effects alone which are accompanied with proofs of 

 intention : The other, that, when we cannot resolve all ap- 

 pearances into benevolence of design, we mike the few 

 give place to the many ; the little to the great ; that we take 

 our judgment from a large and decided preponderancy, if 

 there be one. 



I crave leave to transcribe into this place, what I have 

 said upon this subject in my moral philosophy " When 

 God created the human species, either he wished their hap- 

 piness, or he wished their misery, or he was indifferent and 

 unconcerned about either. 



" If he had wished our misery, he might have made sure 

 of his purpose, by forming our senses to be so many sores 

 and pains to us, as they are now instruments of gratifica- 

 tion and enjoyment ; or by placing us amidst objects, so ill 

 suited to our perceptions, as to have continually offended 

 us, instead of ministering to our refreshment and delight. 

 He might have made, for example, every thing we tasted 

 bitter ; every thing we saw loathsome ; every thing we 

 touched a sting ; every smell a stench ; and every sound a 

 discord. 



" If he had been indifferent about our happiness or mis- 

 Y2 



