210 



CHAPTER IX. 



Mechanical Lati's. 



IN the preceding observations we have supposed 

 the laws, by which different kinds of matter act 

 and are acted upon, to be already in existence ; 

 and have endeavoured to point out evidences of 

 design and adaptation, displayed in the selection 

 and arrangement of these materials of the universe. 

 These materials are, it has appeared, supplied in 

 such measures and disposed in such forms, that 

 by means of their properties and laws the business 

 of the world goes on harmoniously and benefi- 

 cially. But a further question occurs : how came 

 matter to have such properties and laws ? Are 

 these also to be considered as things of selection 

 and institution ? And if so, can we trace the 

 reasons w 7 hy the laws were established in their 

 present form ; why the properties which matter 

 actually possesses were established and bestowed 

 upon it? We have already attempted, in a 

 previous part of this work, to point out some of 

 the advantages which are secured by the exist- 

 ing laws of heat, light and moisture : can we, in 

 the same manner, point out the benefits which 

 arise from the present constitution of those laws 



