and resentment. Sentiments, designs, affections, though it is from these that ac|cording to cool reason human actions derive their whole merit or demerit, are placed by the great Judge of hearts beyond the li|mits of every human jurisdiction, and are reserved for the cognizance of his own un|erring tribunal. That necessary rule of justice, therefore, that men in this life are liable to punishment for their actions on|ly, not for their designs and intentions, is founded upon this salutary and useful ir|regularity in human sentiments concern|ing merit or demerit, which at first sight appears so absurd and unaccountable. But every part of nature, when attentively surveyed, equally demonstrates the provi|dential care of its author, and we may ad|mire the wisdom and goodness of God even in the weakness and folly of men.
Nor is that irregularity of sentiments altogether without its utility, by which the merit of an unsuccessful attempt to serve, and much more that of meer good inclinations and kind wishes, appears to be imperfect. Man was made for action, and to promote by the exertion of his faculties such changes in the external circumstances
