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 classification of all the known animals, of which the sponge is at the bottom of the list, and the monikin at the top!" "Sponges are commonly uppermost," growled Noah.
"Sir," said I, with a disagreeable rising at the throat, "am I to understand that your savans account man an animal in a middle state between a sponge and a monkey ?" "Really, Sir John, this warmth is quite unsuited to philosophical discussion--if you continue to indulge in it, I shall find myself compelled to postpone the lecture." At this rebuke I made a successful effort to restrain myself, although my esprit de corps nearly choked me.