2S4 ON THE HUMAN FACULTIES, 



Thus his perceptive faculties being progres- 

 sively developed, he is gradually prepared for a 

 more enlarged observation, and for a new train of 

 feelings ; and he soon learns to display a prefer- 

 ence for, or a dislike to those things, sounds, 

 and sights, which at first had only in a general 

 degree, excited his curiosity. 



As he advances, a taste for imitation discovers 

 itself; and he not only endeavours to take off 

 those by whom he is surrounded, but learns from 

 them a few of the words, which he so often 

 has heard repeated ; but at first, more from 

 their sound, than from a knowledge of their 

 meaning ; and it is only by very slow degrees 

 that he at last comprehends their signification. 

 It is about this period, that those selfish passions 

 begin to bud, which, naturally engrafted on the 

 constitution, are so often in future life, (if not 

 early corrected,) productive of the most mischie- 

 vous consequences ; and as good is most fre- 

 quently intermixed with evil, it is now we observe, 

 in embryo only, those finer affections and kindly 

 feelings, which afterwards are connected with 

 the noblest sentiments and best propensities of 

 his nature. 



As the strength advances, the common use of 

 the limbs becomes fully established, the speech 

 is perfect, and a few of the symbols of language 

 are comprehended ; while curiosity is still further 

 awakened, and a desire to see things, ends in a 



