GOODNESS OF GOD. 167 



fluid is made to escape from its cavity by a puncture 

 through its external walls. The power of voluntary 

 motion is suspended ; the body of the worm becomes 

 passive and flaccid." 1 



These details convey but a feeble and imperfect notion 

 of the numerous and elaborate contrivances which are 

 so profusely bestowed upon these mean and grovelling 

 worms ; but they show how careful is the Creator of 

 their well-being ; how lavish of His mercies towards His 

 meanest creatures. How unreasonable, then, is it for 

 those to doubt His ever- watchful and unerring tender- 

 ness towards themselves, who have been made the 

 objects of His redeeming love, and who, on the ground 

 of redemption, "are of more value" in His sight, than 

 all these His lower creatures put together ! 



1 Dr. Williams, On the British Annelida, p. 219. 



