OF THE HISTORY OF MAN. воок III. Progrefs of SCIENCES. SKETCH II. Principles and Progress of Morality. Τ' : HE principles of morality are little understood among favages and if they arrive at maturity among enlightened nations, it is by flow degrees. This progrefs points out the historical part, as first in order: but as that history would give little fatisfaction, without a rule for comparing the morals of different ages, and of different nations, VOL. IV. A I I begin with the principles of morality, fuch as ought to govern at all times, and in all nations. The prefent sketch accordingly is divided into two parts. In the firft, the principles are unfolded; and the fecond is altogether historical. PARTI. Principles of Morality. SECT. I. Human Actions analysed. HE hand of God is no where more TH visible, than in the nice adjustment of our internal frame to our fituation in this world. An animal is endued with a power of felf-motion; and in performing animal functions, requires no external aid. This in particular is the cafe of man, the nobleft of terreftrial beings. His heart beats, his blood circulates, his ftomach digefts, &c. &c. By what means? Not furely |