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rather by the activity it inspires, the hopes it enkindles, than by its own nature as an impulse: when it provokes suffering, it does so by the unusual obstacles it encounters, by the disappointment of fruitless effort. A pure desire seems to be as simply indicative as any feeling can well be, to make way for the current of emotions that is sure to rush along in its channel.

The desires have different degrees of strength according to the minds in which they arise, and the objects toward which they are directed. The desire for wealth passes with a few into a passion, and becomes the most exacting of impulses, while, with others, it is so gentle an incentive as to control but few of their actions. Herein, again, is seen its secondary character. The mind that habitually forecasts the future, that brings coming enjoyments into clear contrast with immediate pleasures, is one in which the desires show their full strength. The conditions of their activity are fully met, and they soon come to rule with undisputed sway. One, however, in whom the primary appetites are exacting, and the reflective powers feeble, renders but wayward and intermittent obedience to the desires, and leaves the events of life to be fashioned by the objects in most immediate connection with the sensibilities.

The strength of desires also depends on the nature of the objects sought a farther result of their secondary character. The pursuit of wealth, of power, of honor, may, in rare instances, settle down into an exorbitant passion in minds in which the lower circle of vigorous, primitive sensibilities is united with moderate reflective faculties, furnishing a clear, yet nevertheless limited horizon of effort. In many cases these desires are relaxed by the disappointments which attend upon them, or the unsatisfactory nature of the results when realized. The desire for wealth is likely, under the force of habit, under the momentum of