David Hartley (1) (1705–1757)

"... if I may be allowed to judge from the impression which this work has made upon my mind, it is the most wonderful work ever completed by one man. Acute, ingenious, original in his theory, clear and decisive in his facts, deep but impartial in his reasonings, unbiased in his conclusions, he presents us with a work, the unassisted, but complete, production of one mind, explaining all the usual phenomena of mind from a simple and undeniable principle, that of association; and by this clew guiding us through the mazes of metaphysics and of morals. In fine, every part of this work is the part of a consistent but stupendous whole. ... Thus I have ventured to record the superficial decision of my feeble judgment. If I should dare to point out the weaker parts, I should mention the chapter on the terms of salvation, and some few passages in the evidences of Christianity and some remarks on Evangelical counsels. I do not think his account of the love of God ether exaggerated, enthusiastic, or fanciful, especially when he so often acknowledges that it is hardly attainable in the present life. His notions of refined self-interest and its pleasures are not easily understood, and are very inadequately explained; and there seems to be little propriety in making the moral sense a principle of action, distinct from the principles of benevolence, piety, and rational self-interest. Of the notes of Pistorius, it is enough to say, that they are worthy to accompany the work on which they comment."
- Journal, 22 February 1803; printed in Lee, Memoirs, pp. 134-135.… (more)