There is such a degree of pleasure in the perusal of the various works of eminent authors, that whenever we return to them, it seems like the revival of an old acquaintance, or the meeting a friend who has long been absent. We sometimes know of what they are about to treat, but find out their peculiar excellence by the search of diligence, or a sort of conversation with them, and deduce their merits or demerits according to our own judgements. We find in some much that we admire; in others part that we doubt: and in many that we would wish to dispute with them, were they alive, or present, but for the want of this opportunity, we are content to argue in our own minds their truth, or fallacy and seek partisans and advocates among our contemporaries

There is an Essay by Johnson, which from its peculiar tenets, can never be forgotten by any of those who have read that Author; it is that which treats of the various turns or Characterics of the mind, from infancy to decrepitude. In it our author, with a great deal of ability and argument, endeavours to point out the various passions, and their general influence or time of empire in the Soul, and places them in such a happy order of Succession, that if it were universal it would secure us from every effect of chance, and make us go on like a piece of machinery from stage to stage, till the wearing of wheels or some other consequent defection would put an end to our work. He gives it as his opinion that this succession of passions, or changes of the mind is general and remote. If it were general it certainly must be very remote: it were happy for mankind if it were general, but I think it is so far from being the case that we continually see characters in the great Theatre of the world, who enter, pass through the whole course of action, and make their exit, without leaving any proof, of the inheritance of any second passion whatever, though there may be a little worldly policy that has dictated some deviation in them.