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by Souls like itself. The branches of the oak endure all the seasons of the year, though its leaves fall off in autumn; and these too will be restored with the returning spring. [[note]] No: 177. [[/note]] In order to try our Good-nature, whether it arises from the body or the mind, whether it be founded in the animal or rational part of our nature; in a word, whether it be such as is intitled to any other reward, besides that secret satisfaction and contentment of mind which is essential to it, and the kind reception it procures us in the world, we must examine it by the following rules. First, whether it acts with steadiness and uniformity in sickness and in health, in prosperity, and in adversity; if otherwise, it is to be looked upon as nothing else but an irradiation of the mind from some new supply of spirits, or a more kindly circulation of the blood. The next way of a man's bringing his Good-nature to the test, is, to consider whether it operates according to the rules of reason and duty: For if, notwithstanding its general benevolence to mankind, it makes no distinction between its objects, if it exerts itself promiscuously towards the deserving and understanding, if it relieves alike the idle and the indigent, if it gives itself up to the first petitioner, and lights upon any one
