LECTURE VI. 



273 



further, as animals perform certain actions 

 in consequence of feeling, the gentleman 

 alluded to is led on to suppose, that similar 

 actions in vegetables are also the result of 

 feeling; naj, he even attributes to them 

 the more subtile sensations of smell and 

 taste, and believes them to be undoubtedly 

 actuated by the passion of love. As he 

 has published all this in a scientific work, 

 containing many highly valuable observ- 

 ations, I conclude that he was firmly con- 

 vinced of what he has asserted; which 

 shows how opinions are acquired and estab- 

 lished. We have only to think in a cer- 

 tain manner repeatedly, and we shall be- 

 come convinced of what at first might 

 have appeared doubtful, or even improba- 

 ble. It is therefore prudent, before we in- 

 dulge in certain trains of thought, and 

 suffer them to become habitual and predo- 

 minant, to consider their ultimate tendency 

 and probable influence on our conduct, 

 both with respect to ourselves and others. 

 It is surely right, before we enter a path 

 which we mean to pursue, to enquire whi- 

 ther it may lead us. 



T 



