TO be the proper and approved object either of gratitude or resentment, can mean nothing but to be the object of that gratitude, and of that resentment, which naturally seems proper, and is ap|proved of.
But these, as well as all the other pas|sions of human nature, seem proper and are approved of, when the heart of every impartial spectator intirely sympathises with them, when every indifferent by-stander in|tirely enters into, and goes along with them.
He, therefore, appears to deserve reward, who, to some person or persons, is the na|tural object of a gratitude which every hu|man heart is disposed to beat time to, and thereby applaud: and he, on the other hand, appears to deserve punishment, who in the same manner is to some person or persons the natural object of a resentment which the breast of every reasonable man
