that pleasure which
naturally accompanies those actions to which we are habituated, but with
those supernumerary joys of heart, that rise from the consciousness of
such a pleasure, from the satisfaction of acting up to the dictates of
reason, and from the prospect of an happy immortality.

16. In the fourth place, we may learn from this observation which we
have made on the mind of man, to take particular care, when we are once
settled in a regular course of life, how we too frequently indulge
ourselves in any of the most innocent diversions and entertainments,
since the mind may insensibly fall off from the relish of virtuous
actions, and by degrees, exchange that pleasure which it takes in the
performance of its duty, for delight of a much more inferior and
unprofitable nature.

17. The last use which I shall make of this remarkable property in human
nature, of being delighted with those actions to which it is accustomed,
is to shew how absolutely necessary it is for us to gain habits of
virtue in this life, if we would enjoy the pleasures of the next.

18. The state of bliss we call heaven, will not be capable of affecting
those minds, which are not thus qualified for it: we must in this world
gain a relish of truth and virtue, if we would be able to taste that
knowledge and perfection which are to make us happy in the next. The
seeds of those spiritual joys and raptures, which are to rise up and
flourish in the soul to all eternity, must be planted in it, during this
its present state of probation. In short, heaven is not to be looked
upon only as the reward, but as the natural effect of a religious life.

19. On the other hand, those evil spirits, who by long custom, have
contracted in the body, habits of lust, sensuality, malice and revenge,
an aversion to every thing that is good, just, or laudable, are
naturally seasoned and prepared for pain and misery. Their torments have
already taken root in them; they cannot be happy when divested of the
body, unless we may suppose, that Providence will in a manner create
them anew, and work a miracle in the rectification of their faculties.

20. They may, indeed, taste a kind of malignant pleasure in those
actions to which they are accustomed whilst in this life; but when they
are removed from all those objects which are here apt to gratify them,
they will naturally become their own tormentors, and cherish in
themselves those painful habits of mind which are called, in