nature of a rock, of a tree, of air, fire,
water, and land. Again, in alluding to a moral nature in the abstract,
we mean sin, and its weaknesses, its attractions, its deformities-in a
word, its totality; while, on the other hand, when we use the term,
in this sense, under the limits of a speciality, we confine its
signification to the particular shades of natural qualities that mark
the precise object named. Let us illustrate our positions by a few brief
examples.

"When we say 'Oh nature, how art thou glorious, sublime,
instructive!'--we mean that her laws emanate from a power of infinite
intelligence and perfection; and when we say 'Oh nature, how art thou
frail, vain and insufficient!' we mean that she is, after all, but a
secondary quality, inferior to that which brought her into existence,
for definite, limited, and, doubtless, useful purposes. In these
examples we treat the principle in the abstract.

"The examples of nature in the speciality will be more familiar, and,
although in no degree more true, will be better understood by
the generality of my auditors. Especial nature, in the physical
signification, is apparent to the senses, and is betrayed in the
outward forms of things, through their force, magnitude, substance, and
proportions, and, in its more mysterious properties, to examination, by
their laws, harmony, and action. Especial moral nature is denoted in the
different propensities, capacities, and conduct of the different classes
of all moral beings. In this latter sense we have monikin nature, dog
nature, horse nature, hog nature, human nature--"

"Permit me, Dr. Reasono," I interrupted, "to inquire if, by this
classification, you intend to convey more than may be understood by the
accidental arrangement of your examples?"

"Purely the latter, I do assure you, Sir John."

"And do you admit the great distinctions of animal and vegetable
natures?"

"Our academies are divided on this point. One school contends that all
living nature is to be embraced in a great comprehensive genus, while
another admits of the distinctions you have named. I am of the latter
opinion, inclining to the belief that nature herself has drawn the line
between the two classes, by bestowing on one the double gift of the
moral and physical nature, and by withdrawing the former from the other.
The existence of the moral nature is denoted by the presence of the
will. The academy of Leaphigh has made an elaborate classificati