BOOK II PART III
their attraction, and mutual cohesion, there are
nor the least traces of indifference or liberty.
Every object is determined by an absolute fate
toa certain degree and direction of irs motion,
and can no more depart from that precise line,
in which it moves, than it can convert itself into
an angel, or spirit, or any superior substance.
The actions, therefore, of matter are to be re-
garded as instances of necessary actions; and
whatever is in this respect on the same footing
with matter, must be acknowledged to be nec-
essary. That we may know whether this be the
case with the actions of the mind, we shall be-
gin with examining matter, and considering on
what the idea of a necessity in its operations
are founded, and why we conclude one body
or action to be the infallible cause of another.
It has been observed already, that in no sin-