"But if it means the mental energy preceding and producing volition, it is then plainly equivalent to the term motive, and the question is reduced to a mere verbal controversy; for this mental energy, denoting only a particular disposition and state of mind, must itself have resulted from a previous disposition of mind, as likewise that previous disposition from one yet more remote:--a regular and uninterrupted concatenation of volitions thus extending itself backwards to the original source of agency, each volition or mental state, like wave impelling wave, arising from preceding, and giving rise to succeeding states or definite situations of mind analogous to itself, and corresponding to those immutable laws by which the mental no less than the material world is governed by infinite wisdom and power."
On Liberty and Necessity [from Essays, Philosophical, Historical, and Literary]
William Belsham, <u>Essays, Philosophical, Historical, and Literary</u> (London: Printed for C. Dilly, 1789). &lt;<a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=Z6Y0AAAAMAAJ">Link to Google Books</a>&gt;
