ly thankful, out of a pure sense of thankfulness. Their Hearts are sensible not only of good turns, but even of good-will too; and have of themselves a propensity to acknowledge all manner of Obligations.
According to the great diversity which is found both in Gratitude and Ingratitude, there are some poor Spirits that think themselves oblig'd by every thing, as well as vain humours, that think themselves oblig'd by nothing.
If Self-conceit has its proud ingrates, Distrust of merit has its weak thankful ones, that take common justice for a particular obligation. This diffidence produces an Inclination to Subjection, and the latter is the distinguishing Character of this kind of thankful men. As they are incumber'd with Liberty, and asham'd of Servitude, they raise up chimerical Obligations, to give an honourable colour to their dependence.
I will not reckon among the Grateful, those poor wretches that think themselves oblig'd, for not being hurt. They are not only Slaves, but Slaves that have not even the courage to hope well. To these wretches, all treatment that is not rigorous is favourable, and every thing that is not an Injury, they think a Benefit.
I have but one word more to say about a certain Gratitude of Courtiers, which has not so much respect to the past, as design upon the future. They acknowledge Obligations to those whom fortune has plac'd in any post to oblige them; and by an affected Gratitude for favours never done, insinuate themselves into those, in whose power it is to do them, and industriously put themselves in the way of them. This artificial acknowledgment, as 'tis undoubtedly no Virtue, so neither is it a Vice, but rather a dexterity, which it is lawful for
