MUSCULAR AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS. 227 



the special benificence of his Divine Maker, has not only 

 been endowed with the attributes of reason, judgment, 

 and discretion, but has also been given the most perfect 

 of all mechanical instruments, by which to carry into 

 effect the plans which his intellect might suggest. No 

 created being, except man, can with any instrument fur- 

 nished him by nature do so much as to draw a pair of 

 parallel lines, or even a single straight line. But man 

 by the exercise of his reason, assisted by his hands, 

 builds palaces, erects monuments, constructs ships, and 

 with the same instruments manufactures watches ; and 

 with still more delicate touches, imitates nature herself 

 with such art, as almost to appear the author of a new 

 creation. 



All these powers, so far from fostering the pride and 

 self-sufficiency of man, ought to be a reason why he 

 should render to the Giver of such endowments, per- 

 petual obedience, thanksgiving, and praise. 



CONNECTION BETWEEN THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR 

 SYSTEMS. 



Every person of common observation, has noticed the 

 great difference which exists in the human species, with 

 respect to muscular firmness and strength, and nervous 

 irritability and weakness of the bodily powers. Some 

 persons are strong and vigorous in their muscles, and 

 are capable of exerting a great degree of strength and of 

 continuing it for a long period ; while others, perhaps of 

 equal size and weight, are absolutely incapable of putting 

 forth such bodily powers, or can do so but for a moment, 

 when they become utterly exhausted. 



We find that persons of great muscular firmness are 

 not generally subject to what is called " nervous excite- 

 ment." They are not easily thrown into trepidation ; 

 they keep cool and quiet on all occasions ; while those 

 with the lax muscular fibre are easily thrown into excite- 

 ment, any sudden event being sufficient to bring on gene- 

 ral agitation, or even convulsions of the whole system. 



What is said of the goodness of the Creator in providing man with an 

 instrument to execute the projects his reason might suggest. 



