Medical inquiries and observations (Volume 1-2).

  • Benjamin Rush
Date:
1819
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Medical inquiries and observations (Volume 1-2). Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the National Library of Medicine (U.S.), through the Medical Heritage Library. The original may be consulted at the National Library of Medicine (U.S.)

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    might we admit an inherent principle of life in animal mat- ter, as a self-determinins; power in this faculty of the mind. Motives are necessary, not only to constitute its freedom, but its essence; for, without them, there could be no more a will than there could be vision without light, or hearing without sound. It is true, they are often so obscure as not to be perceived, and they sometimes become insensible from habit; but the same things have been remarked in the operation of stimuli, and yet we do not upon this ac- count deny their agency in producing animal life. In thus deciding in favour of the necessity of motives to produce actions, I cannot help btarinj]^ a testimony against the gloomy misapplication of this doctrine by some modern writers. When properly understood, it is calculated to produce the most comfortable views of the divine government, and the most beneficial effects upon morals and human happiness. 7. There are errors of an impious nature, which some- times obtain a currency, from being disguised by innocent names. The doctrine of animal life that has been deliver, ed is directly opposed to an error of this kind, which has had the most baneful influence upon morals and religion. To suppose a principle to reside necessarily and constant- ly in the human body, which acted independently of ex- ternal circumstances, is to ascribe to it an attribute, which I shall not connect, even in language, with the creature man. St If-existence belongs only to God. The best criterion of the truth of a philosophical opinion is, its tendency to produce exalted ideas of the Divine Be- ing, and humble views of ourselves. The doctrine of animal life, which has been delivered is calculated to produce these effects in an eminent degree ; for 8 It does homage to the Supreme Being, as the go- vernor of the universe, and establishes the certainty of his universal and particular providence. Admit a principle of life in the human body, and we open a door for the restora- tion of the old Epicurean or atheistical philosophy which has been mentioned. The doctrine 1 have taught cuts the sinews of that error ; for by rendering the continuance of animal life, no less than its commencement, the effect of the constant operation of divine power and goodness, it leads us to believe that the whole creation is supported in the same manner. It leads us further to distinp-nish Hp.
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