NATURAL THEOLOGY. 121 



lie went on stilts, and, therefore, are his legs small 

 and shapeless." 



B. I have read that those who are employed at the 

 different quays in London, to load and unload ships 

 sometimes carry burthens which would almost kill 

 a horse ; and that men who are accustomed to hunt- 

 ing will outrun horses, or at least can bear the ex- 

 ercise longer ; and even in walking, a man, who has 

 been in the habit of it, will go further in a day than 

 a horse can ; and if he do not accomplish it the first 

 day, he will be able to continue his journey many days 

 without inconvenience, while the horse will be ex- 

 hausted with fatigue in much less time. It" is said by- 

 travellers that Hottentots can outstrip horses ; and that 

 the savages in America who hunt the elk pursue these 

 animals, though they are as fleet as stags, till they tire 

 them out and catch them. The civilized part of man- 

 kind seem not to be acquainted with their own- 

 strength ; and indeed they are so situated as to have 

 little occasion for great physical exertions. But we 

 should praise the admirable wisdom with which the 

 body is formed, to be capable of them when they are 

 rendered necessary. 



T. Though but a small part of the muscular pow- 

 er of which we are capable may be called into use in 

 the ordinary occupations of life," the body that is 

 strengthened by habits of temperance and exercise is 

 best adapted to resist disease, and to withstand the 

 effects of exposure. The vigor of the mind partici- 

 pates with that of the body, and professional writers 

 observe that the very shape is injuriously affected by 



