102 NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



But it will be said, that the instances which we 

 have here brought forward, whether of vivacity or 

 repose, or of apparent enjoyment derived from 

 either, are picked and favourable instances. We 

 answer, first, that they are instances, nevertheless, 

 which comprise large provinces of sensitive exist- 

 ence ; that every case which we have described 

 is the case of millions. At this moment, in ever}' 

 given moment of time, how many myriads of ani- 

 mals are eating their food, gratifying their appe- 

 tites, ruminating in their holes, accomplishing 

 their wishes, pursuing their pleasures, taking their 

 pastimes ! In each individual, how many things 

 must go right for it to be at ease ; yet how large a 

 proportion out of every species is so in every as- 

 signable instant 1 Secondly, we contend, in the 

 terms of our original proposition, that throughout 

 the whole of life, as it is diffused in nature, and as 

 far as we are acquainted with it, looking to the 

 average of sensations, the plurality and the pre- 

 ponderancy is in favour of happiness by a vast ex- 

 cess. In our own species, in which perhaps the 

 assertion may be more questionable than any 

 other, the prepollency of good over evil, of health, 

 for example, and ease, over pain and distress,, is 

 evinced by the very notice which calamities excite. 

 What inquiries does the sickness of our friends 

 produce ! what conversation their misfortunes ! 

 This shows that the common course of things is in 

 favour of happiness; that happiness is the rule^ 

 misery the exception. Were the order reversed , 



