4n DOCTRINE Op THE PASSIONS, SECT. XIII.Several things that dispose us to diferent Passions, I have intimated in the third section, that there are several things, that belong to the nature and the life of man, which dis- pose the heart in general to more of these pathetic commotions of nature, or incline it to particular passions ; I come now to give a more particular detail what. those things are. The natural constitution or complexion, whether sanguine or melancholy, choleric or phlegmatic, whether moist or dry, sprightly or dull, hot or cold, gives a greater or less disposition topassion in general, as well as to some particular passions of the heart, Thoseof a sanguine complexion are most easily suscep- tive of most of these commotions of nature; and especially the gayer and bolder passions, the sprightly, the pleasing and bene- volent, such as love and joy : Whereas the melancholy temper disposes to grief, and fear, and consternation ; the choleric to wrath and revenge. The differentages of men have their different passionssuited to them. Gaiety and gladness of heart, love, and hope and courage belong to youth, because of the firmness of their nerves, and vigour of their spirits, which are easily raised but not soon depressed. Youth also is more subject to wonder, because they have not seen so much of the world, and there are more things appear new to them. Old age is much more liable to fears and despondencies, and long and obstinate sorrow ; childhood tosud- den changes of grief and joy. The seasons of the year, the different times of the day, morning, noon and night, the diversity of weather, whether cloudy, rainy, windy or shining, have great power upon these. animal bodies of ours to dispose us to different passions. Long. dark nights andcloudy days in the winter season, give us a ten- dency to gloominess of thought, fear and sorrow ; rainy weather hangs heavy mi the head and heart: Whereas the returning spring and Sun-shine dispose the brutal creation as well as man to all the gayer passions, or at least to an imitation of them. The different state of the body, as to sickness or health, ease or pain, strength or weakness, and especially in disorders of the nervous kind, have great influence on the several affections of the mind. The indispositions of this fleshof ours subject us too often to the fearful, the sorrowful and the peevish passions. Courage, and patience, and benevolence are impaired by long illness, but the very same persons throw off these evil disposi- lions, and revive into the mere pleasing humours and airs, when health returns. Different employments, and different conditions of life, beget in us a tendency tó our different passions. Those who are plaited above others in their daily stations, and especiallyif they stave to dg with many persons under them, and in many affairs,
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