st_
just Information obtained by the literary World, upon this Subject.

As to what he adds, That the Intention, and Effects, of this
_Assemblage_ of _similar_ Objects, is _to make up pleasant Pictures,
and agreeable Visions in the Fancy_, it is, as I humbly apprehend, not
quite perfect: For the Business of this _Assemblage_ is not merely to
raise pleasant Pictures in the Fancy, but also to _enlighten_
thereby the _original_ Subject.--This is evident; because in such
_Assemblages_, the only Foundation upon which the _new Subject_
is suddenly introduced, is the _Affinity_, and consequently the
_Illustration_, it bears to the _first_ Subject.--The Introduction of
pleasant Pictures and Visions, which present not a new _Illustration_,
and _Light_, to the _original_ Subjects, being rather wild Sallies of
_Vivacity_, than well-aimed, apposite Strokes of WIT.

It is Mr. _Locke_'s Conclusion, at last, That WIT _consists in
something that is not perfectly conformable to Truth, and good
Reason_.--This is a _Problem_ of some Curiosity; and I apprehend
Mr. _Locke_'s Determination upon it to be right:--For the _Direction_
of WIT is absolutely different from the _Direction of_ TRUTH and GOOD
REASON; It being the Aim of WIT to strike the _Imagination_; of TRUTH
and GOOD REASON, to convince the _Judgment_: From thence they can
never be perfectly coincident.

It is however true, that there may be Instances of WIT, wherein the
_Agreement_ between the two Objects shall be absolutely _just_, and
perceived to be such at the first Glance. Such Instances of WIT, will
be then also _Self-evident_ TRUTHS. They will _both_ agree in their
obvious, and quick _Perspicuity_; but will be still different in this,
that the Effort of the _One_ is to strike the _Fancy_, whereas the
_Other_ is wholly exerted in gratifying the _Judgment_.

The Sentiments of Mr. _Addison_ upon WIT, are professedly delivered in
the _Spectator_ No. 62. annexed to the following _Essay_. He has there
justly commended Mr. _Locke_'s Description of WIT; but what he adds,
by Way of Explanation to it, that the _Assemblage_ of Ideas must be
such as shall give _Delight_, and _Surprize_, is not true, in regard
to the Former, _Delight_ being no _essential_ Property of WIT; for
if the _original_ Subject be unpleasant, or deformed, the sudden
unexpected _Arrangement_ of a _similar_ Object with it, may give us
_Surprize_, and be indisputably WIT, and yet be far from creating any
_Deli