50 



the general appellation of all fixed determinations of the will, 

 on whatever motive grounded. 



152. Desires that tend solely to the gratification of animal 

 wants are called appetites : as they do not fall under the head 

 of affectibihty, they are foreign to the present enquiry. - 



153. Love is the desire of procuring pleasure to its object, 

 even by the sacrifice, if necessary, of one's own. 



154. Its degree may be estimated by that of the pleasure 

 desired, and of that sacrificed to its attainment; of the pain 

 endured and the obstacles overcome. 



155. Love is susceptible of various modifications according 

 to the nature of the objects towards which it is directed. 



156. Parental Love is that Avhich parents bear to their 

 children. It is founded partly on instinct, a feeling evidently 

 impressed by the Supreme Being, (and which, were there no 

 other, is alone a sufficient proof of his existence) for the 

 preservation of the species ; and partly on the consideration, 

 that they are part of ourselves, owe us respect and obedience, 

 and have with us a community of interest. 



157. The love founded on instinct is inverse!}' as the age 

 of the offspring and its power of self-preservation ; but in our 

 species it is never totally extinguished. That founded on 

 selfish consideration may increase with the age of the off- 

 spring — it may be obliterated by disrespect, reiterated in- 

 stances of disobedience, disregard to a common interest, op- 

 position 



