Chap. III. 
MORAL SENSE. 
91 
and congregate in flocks. Whilst the mother-bird is 
feeding or brooding over her nestlings, the maternal 
instinct is probably stronger, than the migratory ; but 
the instinct which is more persistent gains the victory, 
and at last, at a moment when her young ones are not 
in sight, she takes flight and deserts them. When 
arrived at the end of her long journey, and the migra- 
tory instinct ceases to act, what an agony of remorse 
each bird would feel, if, from being endowed with great 
mental activity, she could not prevent the image con- 
tinually passing before her mind of her young ones 
perishing in the bleak north from cold and hunger. 
At the moment of action, man will no doubt be apt 
to follow the stronger impulse; and though this may 
occasionally prompt him to the noblest deeds, it will 
far more commonly lead him to gratify his own desires 
at the expense of other men. But after their grati- 
fication, when past and weaker impressions are con- 
trasted with the ever-enduring social instincts, retri- 
bution will surely come. Man will then feel dissatis- 
fied with himself, and will resolve with more or less 
force to act differently for the future. This is con- 
science ; for conscience looks backwards and judges past 
actions, inducing that kind of dissatisfaction, which if 
weak we call regret, and if severe remorse. 
These sensations are, no doubt, different from those 
experienced when other instincts or desires are left 
unsatisfied; but every unsatisfied instinct has its own 
proper prompting sensation, as we recognise with hunger* 
thirst, &c. Man thus prompted, will through long 
habit acquire such perfect self-command, that his desires 
and passions will at last instantly yield to his social 
sympathies, and there will no longer be a struggle 
between them. The still hungry, or the still revengeful 
man will not think of stealing food, or of wreaking his 
