Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1805 edition. Excerpt: ... sentiments, at once tender, and pleasing: but it PART III. is only from past affliction, that we feel this plea- DEGREES" DEGREES DEGREES DEGREES sure; and only from that kind of past affliction, of the Su under the pressure of which, we have felt and blimeand i 11, Pathetic, displayed sentiments honourable to ourselves; the remembrance of which exalts and expands, while it melts and softens the mind. The pain arising from wounds suffered in a battle, or grief for the loss or friends, who had fallen in it, might afterwards be remembered with sentiments of grateful, though melancholy reflection: but the sufferings of ignominious punishments, or the sorrows for the loss of accomplices condemned for disgraceful crimes, do not, probably, afford any pleasing materials for future recollections. The pleasures and pains of sympathy are therefore precisely the same, in their principle, when they relate to ourselves, as when they relate to others. 46. Every energetic exertion of great and commanding power; whether of body or mind; whether physical or moral; or whether it be employed to preserve or destroy, will necessarily excite corresponding sympathies; and, of course, appear sublime: but, in all moral or political power, the sublimity is in the mental or personal energy exerted, and not in the power possessed: for a person of the meanest character and capaPART III. city; a Claudius, a Nero, or a Vitellius, may DEGREESH DEGREESp""*"' possess the most unlimited power; and yet be an OftheSu- object of contempt, even to those, -who are sub blime and ject to it. A despot may command the actions Pathetic. J r, ... or men, but cannot command their sentiments or opinions: wherefore, as Longinus observes, it is not the tyrant diffusing terror, whose character is sublime