BOOK II PART I
the valuable parts of his character, we must,
in some degree, possess the quality, in which
we resemble him; and this quality we always
chuse to survey directly in ourselves rather
than by reflexion in another person, when we
would found upon it any degree of vanity. So
that though a likeness may occasionally pro-
duce that passion by suggesting a more advan-
tageous idea of ourselves, it is there the view
fixes at last, and the passion finds its ultimate
and final cause.
There are instances, indeed, wherein men
shew a vanity in resembling a great man in his
countenance, shape, air, or other minute cir-
cumstances, that contribute not in any degree
to his reputation; but it must be confessed that
this extends not very far, nor is of any consid-
erable moment in these affections. For this I as-