Suppose that each of these objects separately produces a passion; and that these two passions are in themselves contrary: We find from experience, that the want of relation in the objects or ideas hinders the natural contrariety of the passions, and that the break in the transition of the thought removes the affections from each other, and prevents their opposition.

It is the same case with comparison; and from both these phaenomena we may safely conclude, that the relation of ideas must forward the transition of impressions; since its absence alone is able to prevent it, and to separate what naturally should have operated upon each other.

When the absence of an object or quality re moves any usual or natural effect, we may certalnly conclude that its presence contributes to the production of the effect.
SECT.

IX OF THE MIXTURE OF BENEVOLENCE AND ANGER WITH COMPASSION AND MALICE Thus we have endeavoured to account for pity and malice.

Both these affections arise from the imagination, according to the light, in which it places its object.