104 



arising from new situations which carries it througli its pro- 

 liressive improvements ; and incited by the love of novelty, 

 it at first learns to creep — then to stand erect, unsteadily 

 balancing its frame — next with assistance ventures to put 

 itself ill -motion; until grown more independent, it after- 

 ward confides its movements to its own tottering limbs, and 

 at length attains the power of walking with firmness, and 

 running with agility. But here other passions become his 

 assistants,. and as he advances in life, the pride of emula- 

 tion to equal his competitors aids his maturer exertions, and 

 the more ^active and athletic exercises follow each other in 

 quick succession. But from first to last, habit is the grand 

 auxiliary, and perfects the work begun by its precursor. 



As the sense of smelling is the first to receive an agreeable 

 impression, it is perhaps the first to require novelty and va- 

 riety in its gratifications. The magazine of fragrant odours 

 is however soon exhausted; and it is only in our early days 

 that we delight to run from flower to flower. After we have 

 become familiar with all the sweets of the garden, we are 

 less anxious to seek a succession of agreeable scents, than to 

 avoid those that are otfensive. Mahomet is a singular in- 

 stance of preserving to the last a passion for perfumes. Two 

 sensual enjoyments were required by his nature, and there- 

 fore permitted by the religion he established. This delicate 

 gratification was one — and as it was necessary to his happi- 

 ness, perhaps in him it was accompanied, tlirough life, with 



