On Xatural and Moral Philosophy. 387 



not bt' derived from .a higher property, we 

 consider as primary, essential ; as constituting 

 the generic or specific difference ; and unai)le 

 to carry our enquiry any iaithcr, we consider 

 these essential properties as the originating 

 source of the common character, as entering 

 into the very nature and constitution of every 

 individual of the genus or species. 



Man alone remains unnoticed in this survey, 

 and the question forcibly obtrudes itself, is it 

 conceivable that he alone shall be excepted in 

 this general provision and plan ? Has he alone 

 not an inherent constitution, of mind as well 

 as body, adapted to and preparative of his spe- 

 cific character ? Are not the elements of this 

 character, whatever it shall be, interwoven and 

 coexistent with his very being ? Is a general 

 plan of creation so extensive, so invariably pur- 

 sued in every other being ; than which, simple 

 as it is, none more worthy of designing wisdom 

 and goodness can be conceived ; iuid troni 

 which all that strikes us, as harmonious, beau- 

 tiful dnd grand in nature as a whole, appears 

 to be derived; is this simplicity of plan aban- 

 doned in man alone ; who, however dignified 

 in the scale of being he may be esteemed to 

 be, is but a production of the same all-creating 

 artist, issues from the same designing mind, 

 3c 



