BOOK II PART III
I can imagine only one way of eluding this
argument, which is by denying that uniformity
of human actions, on which it is founded. As
long as actions have a constant union and con-
nexion with the situation and temper of the
agent, however we may in words refuse to ac-
knowledge the necessity, we really allow the
thing. Now some may, perhaps, find a pretext
to deny this regular union and connexion. For
what is more capricious than human actions?
What more inconstant than the desires of man?
And what creature departs more widely, not
only from right reason, but from his own char-
acter and disposition? An hour, a moment is
sufficient to make him change from one ex-
treme to another, and overturn what cost the
greatest pain and labour to establish. Necessity
is regular and certain. Human conduct is ir-
regular and uncertain. The one, therefore, pro-