150 ALIMENTARY ORGANS. 



example, what deglutition, what anhelation, yet does 

 this little cartilage, the epiglottis, so effectually inter- 

 pose its office, so securely guard the entrance of the 

 wind pipe, that whilst morsel after morsel, draught after 

 draught, are coursing one another over it, an accident 

 of a crumb, or a drop slipping into this passage (which 

 nevertheless must be opened for the breath every se- 

 cond of time) excites, in the whole company, not 

 only alarm by its danger, but surprise by its novel- 

 ty. Not two guests are choked in a century." 



B. This is the more wonderful, because the pas- 

 sage into the lungs is often continued* open for an un- 

 usual length of time, as in the act of gaping. This 

 must add to the danger, if we should happen to be 

 swallowing at the same time. 



A. It is said this danger is not permitted, for 

 that the muscles employed in swallowing are so cu- 

 riously connected with those necessary to produce 

 a wide extension of the mouth, that the two acts 

 cannot be performed together. 



T. In passing in this manner from example to 

 example of creative goodness and skill, I feel con- 

 stantly, my young friends, the necessity of reminding 

 you that the proofs of an intelligent and designing 

 beneficence are not confined to selected cases. In 

 taking a cursory survey, we notice those instances 

 which may be most easily explained. But I trust 

 you will be sensible that an equal wisdom pervades 

 the whole system of Creation ; and that seeing par- 

 ticular demonstrations will tend to confirm this devout 

 conviction in your minds. 



