CONTENTS

pp vii-viii

Acknowledgements

pp ix-x

Introduction

pp xi-xxii

Select Bibliography

pp xxiii-xxvi

Note on the Texts

pp xxvii-xxviii

The Rash Resolve: or, the Untimely Discovery

pp 1-1

Dedication

pp 2-3

Dedication

pp 4-6

Part I

pp 7-40

Part II

pp 41-70

Life’s Progress through the Passions: or, The Adventures of Natura

pp 71-73

LIFE'S PROGRESS THROUGH THE PASSIONS: INTRODUCTION

pp 77-78

Book the First

CHAP. I - Shews, in the example of Natura, how from our very birth, the passions, to which the human soul is incident, are discoverable in us; and how far the organs of sense, or what is called the constitution, has an effect over us

pp 79-80

CHAP. II - Contains some proofs by what swift degrees the passions gain an ascendant over the mind, and grow up in proportion with our reason

pp 80-88

CHAP. III - The early influence which the difference of sex excites, is here exemplified in the fond but innocent affection of Natura and Delia

pp 88-91

CHAP. IV - Shews, that till we arrive at a certain age, the impressions made on us are easily erased; and also that when those which bear the name of love are once rooted in the mind, there are no lengths to which we may not be transported by that passion, if great care is not taken to prevent its getting the ascendant over reason

pp 91-97

CHAP. V - That to indulge any one fault, brings with it the temptation of committing others, is demonstrated by the behaviour of Natura, and the misfortunes and disgrace, which an ill-judged shame had like to have involved him in

pp 97-103

CHAP. VI - Shews the great force of natural affection, and the good effects it has over a grateful mind

pp 104-110

BOOK the Second

CHAP. I - The inconsideration and instability of youth, when unrestrained by authority, is here exemplified, in an odd adventure Natura embarked in with two nuns, after the death of his governor

pp 110-129

CHAP. II - The pleasures of travelling described, and the improvement a sensible mind may receive from it: with some hints to the censorious, not to be too severe on errors, the circumstances of which they are ignorant of, occasioned by a remarkable instance of an involuntary slip of nature

pp 129-134

CHAP. III - The uncertainty of human events displayed in many surprizing turns of fortune, which befel Natura, on his endeavouring to settle himself in the world: with some proofs of the necessity of fortitude, as it may happen that actions, excited by the greatest virtue, may prove the source of evil, both to ourselves and others

pp 134-148

CHAP. IV - The power of fear over a mind, weak either by nature, or infirmities of body: The danger of its leading to despair, is shewn by the condition Natura was reduced to by the importunities of priests of different perswasions. This chapter also demonstrates, the little power people have of judging what is really best for them, and that what has the appearance of the severest disappointment, is frequently the greatest good

pp 148-158

CHAP. V - Shews that there is no one human advantage to which all others should be sacrificed: – the force of ambition, and the folly of suff ering it to gain too great an ascendant over us: – public grandeur little capable of atoning for private discontent; among which jealousy, whether of love or honour, is the most tormenting

pp 158-166

BOOK the Third

CHAP. I - Shews in what manner anger and revenge operate on the mind, and how ambition is capable of stifling both, in a remarkable instance, that private injuries, how great soever, may seem of no weight, when public grandeur requires they should be looked over

pp 166-171

CHAP. II - Shews at what age men are most liable to the passion of grief: the impatience of human nature under affliction, and the necessity there is of exerting reason, to restrain the excesses it would otherwise occasion

pp 171-174

CHAP. III - The struggles which different passions occasion in the human breast, are here exemplified, and that there is no one among them so strong, but may be extirpated by another, excepting revenge, which knows no period, but by gratification

pp 175-177