wonder and astonishment. It is manifestly borrowed from the extensive and complicated intricacies of a labyrinth; in which there are endless mazes, without the discovery of a clue. Hence an idea is conveyed of more than simple wonder; the mind is lost in wonder.

Though all these emotions have, generally speaking, the greatest power in things which unexpectedly arrest the attention; yet they may also proceed from contemplation. When the subject is complicated, the more we discern concerning it, the more will unexpected novelties present themselves, and successively become the causes of surprise. These novelties may be of such a nature, as to amaze and confound the understanding. We may also be the more deeply penetrated with a conviction of the vastness, and incomprehensibility of the subject, so as to be worked up into astonishment. The powers of the soul may become petrified as it were, or paralized by their fruitless attempts to comprehend what is far beyond their reach, and to fathom that which is unfathomable!

CLASSIFICATION OF THE PASSIONS, &c. 63

SECTION III.

Classification of the Passions and Affections, as they respect the Selfish or the Social Principle.

We are now prepared to contemplate the immediate effects of those particular qualities, supposed to be seated in the subjects themselves; which the emotions of Surprise, Wonder, and Astonishment, may have forced upon our attention, or which may have been discovered by calmer observation.

According to the order proposed we shall first attend to those which are the most interesting to Ourselves, or which relate to the principle of SELF-LOVE.

CLASS I.

On the Passions and Affections, which owe their Origin to the Principle of SELF-LOve.

THESE may be divided into two distinct Orders; that in which Love, and the Idea of Good, that

is, of something either beneficial or pleasing, are more immediately present to the mind; and that in which hatred, and the Idea of Evil are most impressive.

ORDER I.

The Passions and Affections founded on SELF-LOVE, which are excited by the Idea of Good.

THESE are of two Kinds: the one relates to Good in Possession, the other to that in Expectancy.

That in Possession inspires the following passions and affections, Joy, Contentment, Satisfaction, Complacency.

JOY.

Joy is the vivid pleasure or delight, inspired by the immediate reception of something peculiarly grateful; of something obviously productive of an essential advantage; or of something which promises to contribute to

present or future well-being. This delight may be communicated, by our liberation from fearful apprehensions, or from a state of actual distress; -by obtaining some new acquisition, some addition to our stock of enjoyment;-or by the full assurance of this, without any mixture of doubt.

The various degrees of Impetus produced by this passion, will depend upon the sensibility of the subject, his supposed ignorance of the object, the sudden and unexpected manner in which it has been communicated, and the contrast formed between the preceding and the present state. A sudden and instantaneous translation from extreme anxiety or the depth of distress, to an exalted pinnacle of happiness, constitutes the highest possible degree. In this case, Surprise, Wonder, Astonishment, take possession of the soul; and though they may at first confound, they afterwards are productive of unutterable transports.

On the first impulse of Joy, we are perfectly passive. No effort of the will can check the sensation itself; and where the Joy is excessive, it is not in the power of resolution to suppress every external sign. The state of passive impression is succeeded by the exertions of a

F

vigorous imagination, which, with rapid confusion, runs over the many supposed advantages to be derived from the welcome treasure: and these it is disposed to multiply and aggrandize, far beyond the bounds of reason or probability. This pleasing, I had almost said, intoxicated state of mind, produces correspondent effects upon the system. A brisk and delectable flow of the animal spirits, diffuses a pleasurable sensation over the whole frame. Every species of torpor is subdued; an exhilaration succeeds, indicating itself by emotions, which not only manifest the influence of the passion to spectators, but solicit their participation. The subject feels himself too much animated to remain in a tranquil state. Unusual vivacity in the eyes, and smiles upon the countenance, are accompanied by joyful acclamations, clapping of hands, and various other lively gestures. Where the mind is strongly agitated, and under no restraint from a sense of decorum, or solicitude for character, loud laughter, jumping, dancing, and the most wild and extravagant gestures, indicate the frolicksomeness of the heart.

Intense meditation upon some supposed good, the contemplation of its intrinsic worth, and of the happy consequences which are expected to flow from it, have sometimes raised the mind to