PHI LOS 0 P H Y . - Classic Works of Apologetics Online

36 Human Happiness.
In which inquiry I will omit mu~h.· usual declamation
upon the dignity and capacity of our nature;
the superiority of the soul to the body, of the rati\.)D1
al to the animal part of our constitution; upon the
worthiness, refinement and delicelcy of somp satisfactions,
or the meanness, grossness and sensuaHty of
others; because I hold that pleasures differ in nothing,
but in confinuance and intensity; from a just computation
of which, confirmed by what we observe
of the apparent cheerfulness, tranquility, and contentment,
of men of different tastes, tempers, stations,
and pursuits, every question concerning human happiness
must receive its decision.
It will be our business to show, if we can,
1# \That human happiness does not consist in ;
n. What it does consist in.
FIRS r then, Happiness does not consist in the pleasures
of sense, in whatever profusion or variety they
be enjoyed. By the pleasures of sense I mean, as well
the animal gratifications of eating, drinking, and
that by which the species is continued, as the more
refined pleasures of music, painting,architecture,
gardening, splendid shews, theatric exhibitions, and
of the nervous system in that part of the human frame in which WP feel joy
and grief, p4Lc;sions and afFectio!ls. Whether this part be the heart, which
the tum of n'ost languages would lead us to believe; or the dia?hragm, ~s
Buifon; or the upper orifice of the stomach, as Van Helmont thought; or
rather be a kind of fine net·work, lining the whole region of the precordia,
as other~ ha"·e irnagi:led; it is possible, Dot only that each painful sensation
may ilioJeotJy shake md disturb the fib&es.at the time, but that a series of
such may at length so derange the very texture of the system, as to produce
a perpetual irritation. which will shew itself by fretfulness, impatience, and
restlessness. It IS possible also, on the other hand, that a succession of pleasurable
iensations may have such an effect upon this subtle organization, as
t~ caule tbe fibres to relax, and return into their place and order, and thereby
to recover, or, jf Dot lost, to preserve that harmonious conf9rmation
whjch gives to the mind its sense of complacency and satisfaction. This
etate may be denomin&lted happiness, and is so far djstjnguis~, 9! from
pleasure. that it does not refer to any particular object of enj~yment, or
. consist, lik€ pleasure, in the gratification of one or more of the senses, but
is rather the secondary effect which such objects and gratific.ltioDS produce
upon the nervous system, or the state in which they I~a,ve it. These conjectures
belong not, however, to our province. 1'h~ comparative sease, in
which we have explained the term, happiness, is more popular, and is 5uf ...
ficieot for the purpose of the preseDt Chapter.