the sentiments which directed it, we con|stantly consider them under both these as|pects. When we blame in another man the excesses of love, of grief, of resent|ment, we not only consider the ruinous effects which they tend to produce, but the little occasion which was given for them. The merit of his favourite, we say, is not so great, his misfortune is not so dreadful, his provocation is not so extraordinary, as to justify so violent a passion. We should have indulged, we say; perhaps, have approved of the vio|lence of his emotion, had the cause been in any respect proportioned to it.
When we judge in this manner of any affection, as proportioned or dispro|portioned to the cause which excites it, it is scarce possible that we should make use of any other rule or canon but the cor|respondent affection in ourselves. If, upon bringing the case home to our own breast, we find that the sentiments which it gives occasion to coincide and tally with our own, we necessarily approve of them as propor|tioned and suitable to their objects: if otherwise, we necessarily disapprove of them, as extravagant and out of proportion.
