III. An Essay on Rythmical Measures. By Wal- 

 ter TouNG, M. A. F. R. S. Edin. and Minijler of the 

 Go/pel at Erjkine. 



[Read by Mr JOHN Ro BISON, Dec. 18. 1786.] 



MA N is formed to derive pleafure from a variety of dif- 

 ferent fources. Many of his pleafures are communi- 

 cated by the channel of the external fenfes. Each of thefe has 

 particular claffes of objects that are fuited to its gratification ; 

 and thefe, being difFufed in great abundance through the works 

 of nature, or framed by the art and ingenuity of men, become 

 to him a fource of frequent and diverfified enjoyment. 



The pleafures which we receive through the fenfes of feeing 

 and of hearing have ever been accounted of a nobler and more 

 dignified nature than thofe which we receive by means of the 

 other fenfes. They are intimately connected with, and feem, 

 in a great meafure, to depend upon, certain higher faculties of 

 human nature, which have fometimes been called internal 

 fenfes. A fenfibility to them is pofTeffed by different men in 

 very different degrees, and confers upon fome men a real fupe- 

 riority to others : The inferior animals do not appear to be, in 

 any degree, pofTeffed of it. It is fufceptible of cultivation and 

 improvement. The man, therefore, who poffefTes it in a high 

 degree, whilft he has an exquifite enjoyment of all the pleafures 

 which are peculiar to thofe fenfes, derives, at the fame time, an 

 additional fatisfaction from the flattering confcioufnefs, not on- 

 ly that he is exalted above the inferior animals, but that he is 



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