13 



others, from perceiving the uncertainty and 

 ill-consequences of the latter, may be in- 

 clined to undervalue the former, I am in- 

 duced for reasons already mentioned, to 

 urge your attention to these subjects. 

 From my deficiency in literary research, 

 and my neglect of registering what I may 

 have read, I am unable to trace the sources 

 of my own opinions, yet as I proceed I 

 shall candidly avow them, without presum- 

 ing to suppose that others have not thought 

 in the same or in a better manner and to a 

 greater extent. 



First then, I admit, nay even admire the 

 simple proposition, that man and animals 

 resemble one another, in each possessing, 

 in various degrees, instinctive and urgent 

 propensities to perform certain actions. 

 These propensities, though they operate 

 without the influence of reason, are how- 

 ever in man regulated by that power. Yet 



