53 



plicit and energetic obedience to their com- 

 mands, which is called enthusiasm, and 

 which has given rise to glorious deeds, 

 dignifying and exalting human nature far 

 above animal existence. Religious senti- 

 ment, conscientious justice, patriotism, and 

 even personal lionour, have induced man- 

 kind to bear the greatest evils, without 

 betraying any of tlie unworthy propensities 

 of our nature. 



Thus may even the inferior propensities 

 acquire ascendancy and sway : thus may 

 avarice induce a man to starve in the midst 

 of plenty, in order to increase his useless 

 store ; and caution to abstain from gratifi- 

 cation, from ideal danger ; as though a 

 person would not drink from the cup 

 from which others quaffed with pleasure 

 and with benefit, lest something noxious 

 to himself alone might be infused in the 

 liquor. Some would meet death to gratify 



E 3 



