Page:A discourse upon the origin and foundation of the inequality among mankind (IA discourseuponori00rous).pdf/63

 give himelf the Preference. By this Means too we may put an end to the ancient Diputes concerning the Participation of other Animals in the Law of Nature; for it is plain that, as they want both Reaon and Free-will, they cannot be acquainted with that Law; however, as they partake in ome meaure of our Nature in virtue of that Senibility with which they are endued, we may well imagine they ought likewie to partake of the Benefit of the natural Law, and that Man owes them ome particular Kinds of Duty. In fact, it eems that, if I am obliged not to injure any Being like myelf, it is not o much becaue he is a reaonable Being, as becaue he is a enible Being; and this lat Quality, by being common to Men and Beats, ought to exempt the econd from any unneceary Injuries the firt might be able to do them.