Mental states and operations of inferior animals recognised, on the same principle with those of men . Inferences and reasonings about inferior animals have ON THE RECOGNITION OF THE DEITY. We have not precisely the same means of recognising the presence and mental movements of the Deity as of men We have such indications of him by the objects around, as we have of an artist in his absence. Can recognise design in creation as in the works of man We have this evidence of the mental states of the Deity more perfect and more powerful than we have of the 1. See his designs executed under our eye 2. Proof stronger; accumulated proof May not these evidences of design and power indicate the design and power of many minds? No! for- If cause and effect be only sequence, this impossible OF THOSE ATTEMPTS TO INFLUENCE THE MINDS OF OTHERS IN WHICH WE INTENTIONALLY GIVE PAIN OR PLEA- SURE, FOR THE PURPOSE OF STRENGTHENING THE EXPRESSION OF OUR OWN STATES OF MIND. 1. The means of causing pain or pleasure resorted to MANUAL OF THE ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HUMAN MIND. THE human mind, next to the Deity himself, is the noblest object of contemplation within the scope of our faculties. There are marvellous beauties scattered over the face of external nature; and the more the material universe is explored, the more perfect and the more beautiful does its mechanism appear. The unbounded space around us, with all its infinitude of worlds moving with inconceivable velocities, yet in most perfect order and harmony, is a most sublime and glorious object of contemplation. The earth on which we stand-its materials and its architecture, its infinitely various vegetation, and its still more wonderful variety of animal inhabitants,-discloses, the more it is examined, beauties and wonders lying deeper and deeper beneath the surface, and of endless variety. But in a human soul, perfect in its faculties, its understanding fully enlightened, its affections under just control and rightly directed,-in a moral character justly balanced and perfect in all its attributes; there is something beyond measure more glorious and beautiful than the whole range of external nature. One of our popular poets has said— "An honest man's the noblest work of God." Would that he had always written so justly! Besides, it B |
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