BOOK I PART III
Impressions always actuate the soul, and that
in the highest degree; but it is not every idea
which has the same effect. Nature has pro-
ceeded with caution in this came, and seems
to have carefully avoided the inconveniences
of two extremes. Did impressions alone influ-
ence the will, we should every moment of our
lives be subject to the greatest calamities; be-
cause, though we foresaw their approach, we
should not be provided by nature with any
principle of action, which might impel us to
avoid them. On the other hand, did every idea
influence our actions, our condition would not
be much mended. For such is the unsteadi-
ness and activity of thought, that the images
of every thing, especially of goods and evils,
are always wandering in the mind; and were it
moved by every idle conception of this kind, it
would never enjoy a moment’s peace and tran-