216 THEORT of the EARTH. 



by which its different parts are all adapted, in form, in quality, 

 and in quantity, to a certain end j an end attained with cer- 

 tainty or fuccefs ; and an end from which we may perceive 

 wifdom, in contemplating the means employed. 



BUT is this world to be confidered thus merely as a machine, 

 to laft no longer than its parts retain their prefent pofition, 

 their proper forms and qualities ? Or may it not be alfo con- 

 fidered as an organized body ? Such as has a conftitution in 

 which the necefTary decay of the machine is naturally repaired, 

 in the exertion of thofe productive powers by which it had been 

 formed. 



THIS is the view in which we are now to examine the globe ; 

 to fee if there be, in the conftitution of this world, a repro- 

 ductive operation, by which a ruined conftitution may be again 

 repaired, and a duration or ftability thus procured to the ma- 

 chine, confidered as a world fuftaining plants and animals. 



IF no fuch reproductive power, or reforming operation, after 

 due enquiry, is to be found in the conftitution of this world, 

 we fhould have reafon to conclude, that the fyftem of this 

 earth has either been intentionally made imperfect, or has not 

 been the work of infinite power and wifdom. 



HERE is an important queftion, therefore, with regard to 

 the conftitution of this globe j a queftion which, perhaps, it is 

 in the power of man's fagacity to refolve ; and a queftion which, 

 if fatisfactorily refolved, might add fome luftre to fcience and 

 the human intellect. 



ANIMATED with this great, this interefting view, let us 

 ftrictly examine our principles, in order to avoid fallacy in our 

 reafoning ; and let us endeavour to fupport our attention, in 

 developing a fubject that is vaft in its extent, as well as intricate 

 in the relation of parts to be ftated. 



THE globe of this earth is evidently made for man. He 

 alone, of all the beings which have life upon this body, enjoys 

 the whole and every part ; he alone is capable of knowing the 



nature 



