222 Instinct, 



nature of the race — in the same instincts, that ap- 

 pear in all the higher animals, which even there are 

 so beautiful that the philosopher is made to say, — 



" In parental care and nuptial love, 

 I learn my duties from the dove." 



Those who think the instincts of humanity are 

 to be ignored, in the relation of the sexes, forget 

 that man has an animal nature ; and those who 

 think the instincts are a sufficient guide, forget 

 that he belongs to that noble class, who are permit- 

 ted to learn, and to become wiser by new experi- 

 ence in every generation. They both shoot wide 

 of the mark, — or, to use another figure, while they 

 are looking at the same shield, they are gazing upon 

 opposite sides ; and while they thus stand, there is 

 no chance for agreement as to all the devices and 

 inscriptions which the shield bears. 



The DESIRES are generally regarded as distinct 

 from the Instincts. There is certainly no ground 

 for this distinction, if we consider their method of 

 action, and remember that some instincts involve 

 impulse as well as guidance. Some of the desires 

 have the same relation to the welfare of the being, 

 as the appetites have ; that is, — they are impulses 

 to action — instinctive impulses — the foundation of 

 both instinctive and intelligent acts. Their action 

 is often complex, and often intertwined with the 

 action of the acknowledged appetites and instincts 

 But the confusion has arisen, mainly, from regard- 

 ing Instinct as a distinct thing, rather than as a 



