MUSCULAR AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS. 223 



the special beneficence of his divine Maker, has not only 

 been endowed with the attributes of reason, judgment, and 

 discretion, but has also been given the most perfect of all 

 mechanical instruments, by which to carry into effect the 

 plans which his intellect might suggest. No created being, 

 except man, can, with any instrument furnished him by 

 nature, do so much as to draw a pair of parallel lines, or 

 even a single straight line. But man, by the exercise of 

 his reason, assisted by his hands, builds palaces, erects 

 monuments, constructs ships, and with the same instru- 

 ments manufactures watches ; and with still more delicate 

 touches, imitates Nature herself with such art, as almost to 

 appear the author of a new creation. 



697. All these powers, so far from fostering the pride 

 and self-sufficiency of man, ought to be a reason why he 

 should render to the Giver of such endowments, perpetual 

 obedience, thanksgiving, and praise. 



CONNEXION BETWEEN THE NERVOUS AND MUSCULAR SYSTEMS. 



698. Every person of common observation, has noticed 

 the great difference which exists in the human species, 

 with respect to muscular firmness and strength, and ner- 

 vous irritability and weakness of the bodily powers. Some 

 persons are strong and vigorous in their muscles, and are 

 capable of exerting a great degree of strength, and of 

 continuing it for a long period ; while others, perhaps of 

 equal size and weight, are absolutely incapable of putting 

 forth such bodily powers, or can do so but for a moment, 

 when they become utterly exhausted. 



699. We find that persons of great muscular firmness 

 are not generally subject to what is called " nervous ex- 

 citement." They are not easily thrown into trepidation ; 

 they keep cool and quiet on all occasions ; while those 

 with the lax muscular fibre are easily thrown into excite- 

 ment, any sudden event being sufficient to bring on gen- 

 eral agitation, or even convulsions of the whole system. 



What is said of the goodness of the Creator in providing man with an 

 niment to execute the projects his reason might suggest? 



