BOOK II PART II
one, and reaches no farther than the immediate
sensation, which is disagreeable. The view of
a city in ashes conveys benevolent sentiments;
because we there enter so deep into the inter-
ests of the miserable inhabitants, as to wish for
their prosperity, as well as feel their adversity.
But though the force of the impression gen-
erally produces pity and benevolence, it is cer-
tain, that by being carryed too far it ceases to
have that effect. This, perhaps, may be worth
our notice. When the uneasiness is either small
in itself, or remote from us, it engages not the
imagination, nor is able to convey an equal
concern for the future and contingent good, as
for the present and real evil Upon its acquir-
ing greater force, we become so interested in
the concerns of the person, as to be sensible
both of his good and had fortune; and from