NATURAL THEOLOGY. 185 



from generation to generation, as the most solitary. 

 We discover no one inclining to become an instructor 

 to its own kind. They exhibit no capacities suscep- 

 tible of being unfolded, . perfected, or changed by 

 bringing their ideas into a common stock. In short, 

 the instinct of animals seems to want the essential 

 principle of voluntary improvement, and, therefore, 

 of accountability. To man is assigned the high and 

 noble prerogative of an intelligence susceptible of an 

 unbounded progress ; intrusted to his own cultivation; 

 capable of advancing the welfare of his species ; and 

 therefore laying the foundation of his moral and reli- 

 gious obligations to that Being who has exalted him 

 to a rank so glorious. 



T. You have now attended to some of the prin- 

 cipal instances of Creative wisdom and goodness in 

 the animal frame. I presume you have noticed the 

 remark of Dr. Paley, that, in his opinion, " a designed 

 and studied mechanism is, in general, more evident 

 in animals than in plants ; and that it is unnecessary 

 to dwell upon a weaker argument, when a stronger is 

 at hand." It is true, plants are of a more simple 

 structure than animals ; and there is certainly no oc- 

 casion to strengthen the proofs of a Divine and benevo- 

 lent Providence you have already related. But not to 

 overlook a department of nature so familiar and beau- 

 tiful as the vegetable kingdom, you may mention 

 what you remember as to the uses and designs we 

 discover in plants. 



