AN ESSAY. 489 therefore it is that whensoever the will determines contrary to the dictates of the understanding or conscience, it is both unwise and highly criminal, because such a spirit acts directly con- trary to the light or law of nature, the great rule of reason, and the appearingfitness of things : And this gives just occasion to sharp reproaches and torments of conscience, when the will has determined contrary to the dictates of conscience, that is, of the understanding. VI. Thoughsins against conscience are too frequently com- mitted, yet the chief reason why imperfect beings so often chuse unfit or evil things, and prefer them to what are fit and good, is not merely from this negligent humour, or a wanton and capri- cious turn of the' will, or the mere compliance with violent appe- tite or passion in determining its choice contrary to appearing fit- ness or goodness, as represented by the understanding ; but it arises perhaps most frequently from the understanding, appre- hending and judging some things to be fit or good upon it slight view of them, which really are not so, and from the will's inclination or wish, through the false bias 'of appetite or passion, that such a thing should be fit and good, before mature exa- mination, and from its determining to search no farther ; the will precipitates the judgment, hurries it into error, and acts and chuses rashlyupon present slight appearances. And indeed in this case the will, which might yet longer suspend the judg- ment by putting the understanding upon a farther search, is criminal in permitting a judgment to pass on things upon such slight appearances of fitness or goodness, and determining its choice according to them, instead of delay, and further search and enquiry. Mankind, of whom I chiefly speak here, are often led astray in this mstter by the false representations which passion And appetite, sense and fancy make of things to the understand-` ing. We commit many mistakes about the fitness or good- ness of things, by seeing them in a deceiving situation, in a false light, and under a disguise; by beholding things but in part and in an imperfect manner, by the numerous prejudices of many kinds that lead imperfect creatures astray in their judg- ment of things. And we are generally too ready to pass a rash and hasty judgment and determination of what is fit and good, before a thorough examination. We soon grow weary of a state of suspense and doubt about the fitness or goodness of things : and there is often found an impatience in the will to determine itself one way or another with speed, as well as an inclination that such a thing should appear fit and good ac- cordingto the bias of sense and appetite ; and thus it often chuses evil insteadof good. VII. Indeed, if we Happen to pass a false judgment from c l: 3
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