3S FINAL CAUSES. 



elusion to which they lead must be considered as indubita- 

 ble. For the argument, as it has been justly remarked, is 

 cumulative; that obtained from one source being strength- 

 ened by that derived from another; and all tending to the 

 same conclusion, like rays converging to the same point, 

 on which they concentrate their united powers of illumina- 

 tion. ^ 



The more we extend our knowledge of the operations of 

 creative power, as manifested in the structure and economy 

 of organized beings, the better we become qualified to ap- 

 preciate the intentions with which the several arrangements 

 and constructions have been devised, the aKt with which they 

 have been accomplished, and the grand comprehensive plan 

 of which they form a part. By knowing the general ten- 

 dencies of analogous formations, we can sometimes recognise 

 designs that are but faintly indicated, and trace the links 

 which connect them with more general laws. By render- 

 ing ourselves familiar with the handwriting where the cha- 

 racters are clearly legible, we gradually learn to decipher 

 the more obscure passages, and are enabled to follow the 

 continuity of the narrative through chapters that would other- 

 wise appear mutilated and defaced. Hence, the utility of 

 comprehending in our studies the whole range of the or- 

 ganized creation, with a view to the discovery of final 

 causes, and obtaining adequate ideas of the power, the wis- 

 dom, and the goodness of G od. 



