74 Natural Theology. 



work of the best materials we could desire, every 

 piece made on mathematical principles, all parts 

 formed and joined so as to secure the greatest 

 strength and motion where most needed ; so formed 

 as to protect the most important organs, and to give 

 attachment to the hundreds of cords that are to give 

 it motion, perforated here and there for the nerves 

 and arteries. Some of these nerves are taken from 

 the control of the will, but only those which are 

 necessary for carrying on the vital processes These 

 might become a burden to man, or he might abuse 

 them. The heart asks no leave of us to beat. These 

 bands of telegraphic wires are all bound into symme- 

 trical wholes and covered to protect them from inju- 

 ry, and yet not so covered as to impede their action, 

 or to shut off from the external world those that are 

 needed to establish relations with it. The body, 

 thus wonderfully arranged, is ever kept in order by 

 its own machinery. From one central organ, the 

 stomach, is carried to every part of the system, not 

 only material enough to make all repairs, but, most 

 marvellous of all, just the kind of material which is 

 needed. If lime is wanted, lime is carried. If silica 

 is the required substance, silica is never wanting. 

 If iron, or carbon, or chlorine, or any other element 

 is required, wonderful to tell, at the appointed time, 

 without thought on our part, that element is select- 

 ed and sent to its appointed place. Every worn 

 piece is carefully removed, made, perhaps, to sub- 

 serve some secondary use for a time, but finally it is 

 thrown from the machine, while a new piece takes 



