FACULTIES OF THE MIND. 305 
treads with caution, and he points with fear.” But it is 
needless to multiply examples: for all our domesticated 
animals exhibit the power of restraining their instincts ; and 
the extent of this power is in the ratio of their obedience. 
We shall not here inquire into the motives which regulate 
the obedience, knowing that the moralist is aware that 
compliance with the laws of society, in regard to man, is 
often disagreeable, and even forced. 
‘* There is another” (says the same philosopher *) 
** and very important respect, in which the nature of man 
differs from that of the brutes. He is able to avail him- 
self of his past experience, in avoidmg those enjoyments 
which he knows will be succeeded by suffermg; and in 
submitting to lesser evils, which he knows are to be instru- 
mental in procuring him a greater accession of good. He 
is able, in a word, to form the general notion of happiness, 
and to deliberate about the most effectual means of attain- 
ing it.” We are compelled, however reluctantly, again to 
differ from this celebratéd moralist, and to advance the 
opinion that the brutes do control their instinctive powers 
under the guidance of experience ; avoid enjoyments which 
are succeeded by sufferings ; and submit to lesser evils, to 
avoid greater ones. We by no means venture to state, that 
the lower animals are always so prudent, and we presume 
that none will contend for the universality of such discretion 
in the human species. But that they are guided in their 
attempts to avoid evils and secure happiness, by the expe- 
rience of the past, cannot admit of a doubt. A horse 
will submit to the lesser evil of mending his pace, ra 
ther than to the greater evil of being spurred. Dogs 

* Outlines, p. 112. 
VOL. I. 
