308 PROGRESSIVE SCALE OF BEINGS. 



them possess degrees of perfection or of excellence propor- 

 tioned to their station in the universe. Even among mankind, 

 which is a particular species, the scale of intellect is very 

 extensive. What a difference between an enlightened phi- 

 losopher and a brutal Hottentot! Still, however, nature 

 observes, for the wisest purposes, her uniform plan of gradation. 

 In the human species the degrees of intelligence are ex- 

 tremely varied. Were all men philosophers, the business of 

 life could not be executed, and neither society nor even the 

 species could long exist. Industry, various degrees of knowl- 

 edge, different dispositions, and different talents, are great 

 bonds of society. The Gentoos, from certain political and 

 religious institutions, have formed their people into different 

 castes or ranks, out of which their posterity can never emerge. 

 To us such institutions appear to be tyrannical, and restraints 

 on the natural liberty of man. In some respects they are so; 

 but they seem to have been originally results of wisdom and 

 observation ; for, independently of all political institutions, 

 nature herself has formed the human species into castes or 

 ranks. To some she gives superior genius and mental abili- 

 ties ; and even of these, the views, the pursuits, and the tastes 

 are most wonderfully diversified. 



In the talents and qualities of quadrupeds of the same 

 species there are often remarkable differences. These dif- 

 ferences are conspicuous in the various races of horses, dogs, 

 &,c. Even among the same races, some are bold, sprightly, 

 and sagacious. Others are comparatively timid, phlegmatic, 

 and dull. 



Our knowledge of the chain of intellectual and corporeal 

 beings is very imperfect ; but what we do know gives us ex- 

 alted ideas of that variety and progression which reign in the 

 universe. A thick cloud prevents us from recognizing the 

 most beautiful and magnificent parts of this immense chain 

 of beings. We shall endeavor, however, to point out a few 

 of the more obvious links of that chain, which fall under our 

 own limited observation. 



Man, even by his external qualities, stands at the head of 

 this world. His relations are more extensive, and his form 

 more advantageous, than those of any other animal. His in- 

 tellectual powers, when improved by society and science, 

 raise him so high, that if no degrees of excellence existed 

 among his own species, he would leave a great void in the 

 chain of beings. Were we to consider the characters, the 

 manners, and the genius of different nations, of different prov- 



