276 



LECTURE VI. 



decapitated by the side of a pond, which 

 has been known to run a few steps into the 

 water, and swim a few strokes from the 

 shore, was voluntarily taking refuge from 

 injury in an element where it had formerly 

 found security, was gratified by the feeling 

 derived from it, and elated at accomplish- 

 ing its object. The mind revolts from the 

 supposition that nature would have formed 

 the lower kinds of animals doomed to 

 destruction, so defenceless, or, that they 

 should repair the injuries they sustain in 

 the manner thev are known to do, did 

 they possess the sensibility of the higher 

 classes. Sensation seems allotted to animals 

 in different degrees and faculties adapted 

 to their peculiar situation. Were it how- 

 ever possible that I should believe all that 

 seems required of me, and go on to at- 

 tempt to account for the phaenomena of 

 life upon such principles, I know even- 

 tually I should be compelled to believe 

 that atoms were sentient, and intelligence 

 vmiversal. 



The opinion that sensation, volition, and 



G 



