276 NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



CHAPTER XV. 



RELATIONS. 



When several different parts contribute to one 

 effect, or, which is the same thing, when an effect 

 is produced by the joint action of different instru- 

 ments ; the fitness of such parts or instruments 

 to one another for the purpose of producing, by 

 their united action, the effect, is what I call rela- 

 tion ; and wherever this is obser^^ed in the works of 

 nature or of man, it appears to me to carry along 

 with it decisive evidence of understanding, inten- 

 tion, art. In examining, for instance, the several 

 parts of a watch, the spring, the barrel, the chain, 

 the fusee, the balance, the wheels of various sizes, 

 forms, and positions, what is it which would take 

 an observer's attention as most plainly evincing a 

 construction, directed by thought, deliberation, and 

 contrivance ? It is the suitableness of these parts 

 to one another ; first, in the succession and order 

 in which they act ; and, secondly, with a view to 

 the effect finally produced. Thus, referring the 

 spring to the wheels, our observer sees in it that 

 which originates and upholds their motion ; in the 

 chain, that which transmits the motion to the 

 fusee ; in the fusee, that which communicates it 

 to the wheels ; in the conical figure of the fusee, if 



