BOOK III PART III
sions are moved by degrees of liveliness and
strength, which are inferior to belief, and in-
dependent of the real existence of their ob-
jects. Where a character is, in every respect, fit-
ted to be beneficial to society, the imagination
passes easily from the cause to the effect, with-
out considering that there are some circum-
stances wanting to render the cause a complete
one. General rules create a species of probabil-
ity, which sometimes influences the judgment,
and always the imagination.
It is true, when the cause is compleat, and
a good disposition is attended with good for-
tune, which renders it really beneficial to soci-
ety, it gives a stronger pleasure to the specta-
tor, and is attended with a more lively sympa-
thy. We are more affected by it; and yet we do
not say that it is more virtuous, or that we es-