302 PHILOSOPHY OF ZOOLOGY. 
The acquisition of this restraint over the inStinctive 
powers,—this victory over self, is the most difficult, but 
the most valuable of all our conquests. It is the ultimate 
object of a rational and an immortal being. 
An eloquent writer, whose authority in the science of 
mind is deservedly respected, but who appears but imper- 
fectly acquainted with the principles of action in the lower 
animals, has given it as his opinion, that the reason of man, 
in reference to his active powers, renders his nature and 
condition essentially different from that of brutes; and adds, 
“< 'They are incapable of looking forward to consequences, 
or of comparing together the different gratifications of 
which they are susceptible; and, accordingly, as far as we 
are able to perceive, they yield to every present impulse. 
But man is able to take a comprehensive survey of his va- 
rious principles of action, and to form a plan of conduct for 
the attainment of his favourite objects. Every such plan 
implies a power of refusing occasionally, to particular ac- 
tive principles, the gratification which they demand *.” The 
merits of this distinction between man and the lower animals 
will best appear, by comparing both as placed in nearly si- 
milar circumstances. The cultivation of the power of re- 
straming the instinctive or active principles, does not ap- 
pear to be necessaay in order to form the character of a sa- 
vage. He has appetites, desires, and affections whose gratifi- 
cation is necessary to his welfare, and few opportunities oc- 
cur where indulgence to excess is either practicable or desir- 
able. It is only in the progress of civilization, when property 
has been acquired, and personal rights recognized, that man 
feels the necessity of imposing upon himself Zaws or re- 
straints upon his active principles. It is difficult to find an 
opportunity of examining man in a very low state of intel- 
lectual improvement. The intercourse of Europeans has 
* < Outlines of Moral Philosophy,” by Ducatp Stewant, p. 109. Edin. 
1808. 
