16 DEFINITION OF INSTINCT. 



other source. In a chain of reasoning concerning the 

 operations of nature, we are under the necessity of 

 resorting to an ultimate cause^, which, though unable 

 to trace through all its ramifications, and only to un- 

 derstand partially some of its effects ; yet from those 

 effects, thus dimly seen, we perceive the most con- 

 summate wisdom, the most elegant and perfect con- 

 trivances, to accomplish the multifarious and wonder- 

 ful intentions of nature. In contemplating the ope- 

 rations of animals, from man down to the seemingly 

 most contemptible insect, we are necessarily compelled 

 to refer them to pure instinct, or original qualities of 

 mind, variegated by nature according as the necessi- 

 ties, preservation, and continuation of the different 

 species require.'* — ' Reason acts with intelligence and 

 design, profiting by experience, comparing motives, 

 balancing probabilities, and is able to adapt itself to 

 every change of circumstance. Hence, if there be any 

 actions which are performed with every indication of 

 design, forethought, and wisdom, which are not the 

 result of instruction nor of individual experience, but of 

 a power operating above the consciousness of the crea- 

 ture, and directing it with unerring certainty to the 

 desired end by means far above its comprehension 

 whether in man or brute, those actions are instinc- 

 tive : if, on the other hand, there be any actions which 

 * Hancock, p. 16. 



