26 Natural Theology. 



wants increase, new adaptations are constantly dis- 

 covered to meet those wants. They see in one 

 place evidence of power, in another of matchless 

 skill and of exhaustless wealth, all so conspiring to 

 their gratification that they cannot doubt it was 

 intended for them. They may not be able to under- 

 stand the use of all the parts, but the more they 

 study them the more they discover adaptations 

 intended for their good ; so that love towards them, 

 and care for them, are plainly apparent as control- 

 ling the entire plan. Certainly these conditions 

 would awaken in them some desire to know the 

 builder and owner. Gratitude would seek an occa- 

 sion of manifesting itself ; or if gratitude found no 

 place in the heart, there would be the desire to know, 

 if they were to continue tenants at their own plea- 

 sure, and enjoy such provisions for ever, without any 

 accountability to the provider. While much might 

 be learned from the building and its provisions of 

 the character of the builder, it is evident many ques- 

 tions would arise for which no definite answer could 

 be found in the structure itself. It might be doubt- 

 ful how far the owner still cared for the building and 

 those it contained, or what new relations they might 

 yet sustain to him. If he still exercised watchful 

 care over them, there might be doubt as to what use 

 of these provisions would meet his approbation, or 

 what return he might require to be made for the 

 benefits bestowed. If now a writing were pre- 

 sented to them claiming to be indited by him, in 

 which his character was fully set forth, for their more 



