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

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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

transports, over which reason has lost its controul. But these instances seldom occur; as they require the union of strong conviction, lively imagination, and a warm heart. The transports of Joy usually proceed from sudden impulse; and of consequence, ecstasies will sometimes be great, from very trivial causes.

Gladness is an inferior degree of Joy; it may be excited by incidents agreeable or desirable in themselves, which are not of sufficient moment to raise the ecstasies of joy; or it may consist in that lively flow of spirits, which immediately succeeds to the transports of Joy.

Cheerfulness is an emotion of still gentler influence. It is often inspired by very trivial circumstances, in persons of a lively disposition, and free from anxious care.

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Mirth is a higher degree of cheerfulness, generally excited by things facetious, or ludicrous; and greatly augmented by the power social sympathy. Thus it frequently becomes noisy and boisterous, from causes not able to communicate the smallest emotion to an individual, in a solitary state.

When the mind is more composed, and we are able to reflect, with a degree of calmness, upon the good received or anticipated, we become variously affected, according to the

value we place upon the object,-according to its apparent suitableness to our state and situation, and according to its correspondence with our previous desires and expectations: and if the good be not transitory or evanescent, we remain under the influence of Contentment, Satisfaction, or Complacency.

Contentment expresses the acquiescence of the mind in the portion of good we possess. It implies a perception that our lot might have been better, or that it is inferior to what others enjoy, or that it does not fully answer the expectations we had formed. An effort of reason or of prudence is necessary to produce it. We compare our present with our former situation, or with the inferior lot of others; and thus learn to acquiesce in the degree of advantage obtained.

Satisfaction denotes a pleasing state of mind, exceeding that communicated by simple Contentment. The good obtained is duly appreciated; it is found to be correspondent to our desires, and adequate to our wishes. The word Satisfaction is frequently employed to express the full accomplishment of some particular desire; which always communicates a temporary pleasure, whatever may be the nature of that desire. This affection by no means implies,

that felicity is complete, as it chiefly refers to particular objects; and when it respects our state and situation, it admits that greater good might have been our portion, though we are more than contented, we are well-pleased with what we possess.

Complacency is full and continued satisfaction, connected with a considerable degree of Approbation. It has intrinsic value, or some species of worth for its object;-some mental excellencies, or advantages accruing from them;-some sentiment, disposition, acquirement, conduct, performance, either of ourselves, or of others with whom we are immediately connected, which upon close examination, we deem deserving of esteem or applause. Complacency may be enjoyed as the reward of our own conduct, or of the purity and benevolence of our motives: it may be inspired by a review of conduct, acquirement, disposition, on which we can pronounce that it was well done, or well intended. Complacency may also relate to the approved conduct, sentiments, attainments, dispositions of others, for whom we are deeply concerned. In this case, the affection may be inspired, by their conduct and dispositions towards ourselves, or by the interest we take in whatever con