FINAL ('AUSES. 27 



all reflection of the scattered rays, which might 

 interfere with the distinctness of the image? 



But we farther observe in the eye many exquisite 

 refinements of construction, by which various de- 

 fects, unavoidable in all optical instruments of 

 human workmanship, are remedied. Of this nature 

 are those which render the organ achromatic, which 

 correct the spherical aberration, and which provide 

 for the adjustment of its refracting powers to the 

 different distances of the objects viewed ; not to 

 speak of all the external apparatus for the protec- 

 tion, the preservation, and the movements of the 

 eye-ball, and for contributing in every way to the 

 proper performance of its office. Are not all these 

 irrefragable proofs of the continuity of the same 

 design ; and are they not calculated still farther to 

 exalt our ideas of the Divine Intelligence, of the 

 elaborate perfection impressed upon His works, 

 and of the comprehensive views of His providence ? 



These facts, if they stood alone, would be suffi- 

 cient to lead us irresistibly to this conclusion : but 

 evidence of a similar kind may be collected in 

 abundance from every part of living nature to which 

 our attention can be directed, or to which our ob- 

 servations have extended. The truths they teach 

 not only acquire confirmation by the corroborating 

 tendency of each additional fact of the same de- 

 scription, but the multitude of these facts is so great, 

 that the general conclusion to which they lead must 

 be considered as indubitable. For the argument, 

 as it has been justly remarked, is cumulative ; that 

 obtained from one source being strengthened by 

 that derived from another ; and all tending to the 

 same conclusion, like rays converging to the same 



