the most frivolous levity. This situation, however, may very well be called the na|tural and ordinary state of mankind. Notwithstanding the present misery and depravity of the world, so justly lament|ed, this really is the state of the greater part of men. The greater part of men, therefore, cannot find any great difficulty in elevating themselves to all the joy which any accession to this situation can well ex|cite in their companion.
But though little can be added to this state, much may be taken from it. Tho' between this condition and the highest pitch of human prosperity, the interval is but a trifle; between it and the lowest depth of misery the distance is immense and pro|digious. Adversity, upon this account, ne|cessarily depresses the mind of the sufferer much more below its natural state, than prosperity can elevate him above it. The spectator, therefore, must find it much more difficult to sympathise entirely, and keep perfect time, with his sorrow, than thoroughly to enter into his joy, and must depart much further from his own na|tural and ordinary temper of mind in the one case than in the other. It is upon this account, that, though our sympathy
