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

give himſelf the Preference. By this Means too we may put an end to the ancient Diſputes concerning the Participation of other Animals in the Law of Nature; for it is plain that, as they want both Reaſon and Free-will, they cannot be acquainted with that Law; however, as they partake in ſome meaſure of our Nature in virtue of that Senſibility with which they are endued, we may well imagine they ought likewiſe to partake of the Benefit of the natural Law, and that Man owes them ſome particular Kinds of Duty. In fact, it ſeems that, if I am obliged not to injure any Being like myſelf, it is not ſo much becauſe he is a reaſonable Being, as becauſe he is a ſenſible Being; and this laſt Quality, by being common to Men and Beaſts, ought to exempt the ſecond from any unneceſſary Injuries the firſt might be able to do them.