DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.18825#0167
lect. vi.] of character. 123
was said by Queen Isabella of Castile, equivalent to
letters of recommendation.
In such instances you have judged by cha-
racter ; and, without perceiving it, have deter-
mined by the principles which are to be discussed in
the present discourse. That these principles are
founded in nature, I shall now assume for granted i
should it be said in reply,—that prejudice has its
share :—that persons arrived to years of reflection,
combine ideas of good-nature, or of peevishness^
with features similar to those which they have pre-
viously noticed as accompanying such qualities; ad-
mitting the fact, which indeed strengthens our argu-
ment, I beg leave to enquire by what principle do
children fondle, caress, and become intimate with,
some persons, while they reject the favors of others ?
they do not reason from past experience : but from
present aspect : neither perhaps do animals always
follow such experience, when th y select as friends,
from among a numerous company, those persons
whose looks indicate their natural benevolence. It is
commonly said that dogs possess this sagacity in a
high degree ; and though common sayings are not to
be implicitly adopted, no one will assert that this is
destitute of foundation.
But the term character is of much wider extent
in the arts of Design ; it expresses that peculiar and
distinguishing appearance of feature, person, and
deportment, which is proper to any, and to every,
individual. By character we determine the sex,
the time of life, the country or family, the mental
disposition, the natural or acquired habit, and evert
K 3 (frequently)
was said by Queen Isabella of Castile, equivalent to
letters of recommendation.
In such instances you have judged by cha-
racter ; and, without perceiving it, have deter-
mined by the principles which are to be discussed in
the present discourse. That these principles are
founded in nature, I shall now assume for granted i
should it be said in reply,—that prejudice has its
share :—that persons arrived to years of reflection,
combine ideas of good-nature, or of peevishness^
with features similar to those which they have pre-
viously noticed as accompanying such qualities; ad-
mitting the fact, which indeed strengthens our argu-
ment, I beg leave to enquire by what principle do
children fondle, caress, and become intimate with,
some persons, while they reject the favors of others ?
they do not reason from past experience : but from
present aspect : neither perhaps do animals always
follow such experience, when th y select as friends,
from among a numerous company, those persons
whose looks indicate their natural benevolence. It is
commonly said that dogs possess this sagacity in a
high degree ; and though common sayings are not to
be implicitly adopted, no one will assert that this is
destitute of foundation.
But the term character is of much wider extent
in the arts of Design ; it expresses that peculiar and
distinguishing appearance of feature, person, and
deportment, which is proper to any, and to every,
individual. By character we determine the sex,
the time of life, the country or family, the mental
disposition, the natural or acquired habit, and evert
K 3 (frequently)