36 



facts, we cannot avoid the exertion of a 

 power of mind peculiar to man, and which 

 is generally termed the power of drawing 

 inferences from facts or propositions. It 

 is by the exercise of this power that we 

 form opinions of the causes, reasons, na- 

 ture, and effects of what we observe. But 

 having already spoken at large in the lec-^ 

 tures addressed to this College, on the cau- 

 tion requisite in forming opinions, and on 

 their importance, and influence on our con- 

 duct, I believe that I need not say more 

 on this subject. 



A kind and affectionate disposition be- 

 longs to animals, and the same feeling, 

 blended with considerations peculiar to 

 man, constitutes benevolence, which is the 

 chief excellence and ornament of his na- 

 ture. In the language of Shakespeare, it 

 may be said to be " twice blest, for it 

 blesseth him that gives, and him that 



