Distinction Between Man and Lower Animaes 121 



as much civilization as would lead him to the construction 

 of a new Parthenon, the wood-pigeon will continue only 

 to make a platform of sticks to the end of time. It is 

 evident, from a contemplation of all nature, that the 

 faculties of quadrupeds, birds, insects, and all the inferior 

 animals, are stationary : — those of man only are pro- 

 gressive. It is this distinction which enables him, 

 agreeably to the will of his Creator, to " have dominion 

 over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and 

 over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every 

 creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." But 

 within their limited range the inferior animals perform 

 their proper labours with an unwearied industry, and an 

 unerring precision, which call forth our wonder and ad- 

 miration. Of these remarkable qualities abundant 

 examples have been given in previous notes, and they are 

 not without moral instruction. 



Elevated as our minds are in the comparative scale of 

 nature, we may still take example from the diligence; 

 the perseverance, and the cheerfulness which preside 

 over the architectural characteristics of birds. 



In a word the term constancy may well be rightly 

 applied to the feathered tribe in their habits and con- 

 centrated customs, whilst progression is reserved as the 

 supreme characteristic of man. 



