Chap. III. MORAL SENSE. 91 



and congregate in flocks. AYhilst the mother-bird is 

 feeding or brooding over her nestlings, the maternal 

 instinct is probably stronger than the migratory ; but 

 the instinct which is more persistent gains the victory, 

 and at last, at a moment when her young ones are not 

 in sight, she takes flight and deserts them. When 

 arrived at the end of her long journey, and the migra- 

 tory instinct ceases to act, what an agony of remorse 

 each bird w r ould feel, if, from being endowed with great 

 mental activity, she could not prevent the image con- 

 tinually passing before her mind of her young ones 

 perishing in the bleak north from cold and hunger. 



At the moment of action, mam will no doubt be apt 

 to follow the stronger impulse ; and though this may 

 occasionally prompt him to the noblest deeds, it will 

 far more commonly lead him to gratify his own desires 

 at the expense of other men. But after their grati- 

 fication, when past and weaker impressions are con- 

 trasted with the ever-enduring social instincts, retri- 

 bution will surely come. Man will then feel dissatis- 

 fied with himself, and will resolve with more or less 

 force to act differently for the future. This is con- 

 science ; for conscience looks backwards and judges past 

 actions, inducing that kind of dissatisfaction, which if 

 weak we call regret, and if severe remorse. 



These sensations are, no doubt, different from those 

 experienced when other instincts or desires are left 

 unsatisfied; but every unsatisfied instinct has its own 

 proper prompting sensation, as we recognise with hunger, 

 thirst, &c. Man thus prompted, "will through long 

 habit acquire such perfect self-command, that his desires 

 and passions will at last instantly yield to his social 

 sympathies, and there will no longer be a struggle 

 between them. The still hungry, or the still revengeful 

 man will not think of stealing food, or of wreaking his 



