Two dissertations, I. Concerning the end for which God created the world. II. The…

THERE are various dispositions and inclinations natural to men, which depend on particular laws of nature, determining their minds to certain affections and actions towards particular objects; which laws seem to be established chiefly for the preservation of mankind, tho' not only for this, but also for their comfortably subsisting in the world. Which dispositions may be called instincts.

SOME of these instincts respect only ourselves personally: such are many of our natural appetites and aversions. Some of them are not wholly personal, but more social, and extend to others: such are the mutual inclinations between ⟨p. 169⟩the sexes, &c.—Some of these dispositions are more external and sensitive: such are some of our natural inclinations that are personal; as those that relate to meat and drink. And of this sort also are some dispositions that are more social, and in some respects extend to others: as, the more sensitive inclinations of the sexes towards each other. Besides these instincts of the sensitive kind, there are others that are more internal and mental: consisting in affections of the mind, which mankind naturally exercise towards some of their fellow-creatures, or in some cases towards men in general. Some of these instincts that are mental and social, are what may be called kind affections; as having something in them of benevolence, or a resemblance of it. And others are of a different sort, having something in them that carries an angry appearance; such as the passion of jealousy between the sexes, especially in the male towards the female.

SOME of these instincts respect only ourselves personally: such are many of our natural appetites and aversions. Some of them are not wholly personal, but more social, and extend to others: such are the mutual inclinations between ⟨p. 169⟩the sexes, &c.—Some of these dispositions are more external and sensitive: such are some of our natural inclinations that are personal; as those that relate to meat and drink. And of this sort also are some dispositions that are more social, and in some respects extend to others: as, the more sensitive inclinations of the sexes towards each other. Besides these instincts of the sensitive kind, there are others that are more internal and mental: consisting in affections of the mind, which mankind naturally exercise towards some of their fellow-creatures, or in some cases towards men in general. Some of these instincts that are mental and social, are what may be called kind affections; as having something in them of benevolence, or a resemblence of it. And others are of a different sort, having something in them that carries an angry appearance; such as the passion of jealousy between the sexes, especially in the male towards the female.