DEVELOPMENT OF THE MORAL SENSE. 207 



men. Xor must lie break through the fixed habits of his 

 life, especially if these are supported by reason ; for, if 

 he does, he will assuredly feel dissatisfaction. He must 

 likewise avoid the reprobation of the one God or gods 

 in whom, according to his knowledge or superstition, he 

 may believe ; but in this case the additional fear of divine 

 punishment often supervenes. 



VARIABILITY OF CONSCIENCE. 



p n m Suicide during former times was not gen- 



erally considered as a crime, but rather, from 

 the courage displayed, as an honorable act ; and it is still 

 practiced by some semi-civilized and savage nations with- 

 out reproach, for it does not obviously concern others of 

 the tribe. It has been recorded that an Indian thug 

 conscientiously regretted that he had not robbed and 

 strangled as many travelers as did his father before him. 

 In a rude state of civilization the robbery of strangers is, 

 indeed, generally considered as honorable. 



Slavery, although in some way beneficial during an- 

 cient times, is a great crime ; yet it was not so regarded 

 until quite recently, even by the most civilized nations. 

 And this was especially the case because the slaves be- 

 longed in general to a race different from that of their 

 masters. As barbarians do not regard the opinion of 

 their women, wives are commonly treated like slaves. 



„ .„ How so manv absurd rules of conduct, as 



Faiie 122. 



well as so many absurd religious beliefs, have 

 originated, we do not know ; nor how it is that they have 

 become, in all quarters of the world, so deeply impressed 

 on the minds of men ; but it is worthy of remark that a 

 belief constantly inculcated during the early years of life, 



