Chap, 1 6.] [ 491 ] 



CHAP. XVI, 



OF MORALS. 



U/e of the Do fir hx of AJj'ocialion in Morels. Two Theories of Mo- 

 rals. A Moral Senfe. The Arguments againjl a Moral Set;fe.A 

 'Jlrong Argument for Divine Revelation. 



THE principal life of the doctrine of afibciation, 

 when applied to morals, will be, to induce us 

 to reflect how little of our happinefs depends immedi- 

 ately on fenfual enjoyments, and how we may en- 

 large and improve our lot of pleafure, by cultivating 

 thofe intellectual delights, which neither injure our 

 health nor reputation, and yet are replete with the 

 moft exquifite delight. 



Another point which this doftrine tends to eftablifh, 

 may, I think, be made of advantage to mankind, viz. 

 that what is naturally good or ill in a temper depends 

 on a few principles, which may be in a great meafure 

 counteracted by othrer ideas and aflfociations fuffi- 

 cientiy grounded and Enforced. Hence it follows, 

 that we may be in a confiderable degree the framers 

 of our own difpofitions *; and inafmuch as reafon muft 

 be our guide in morals, civilization is eminently of ufe 



* Difpofhion is a general term, implying the bent or general 

 direiStion of the mind. Thus we fay, an angry difpofidon, &c. 

 or, tefiinefs is a difpofition to be angry. 



to 



