94 NATURAL THEOLOGY. 



also sufficient to prove all which we contend for, 

 that, in this part likewise of organized nature, we 

 perceive a continuation of the sexual system. 



Certain however it is, that the whole argument 

 for the divine unity goes no further than to an 

 unity of counsel.^ 



It may likewise be acknowledged, that no argu- 

 ments which we are in possession of, exclude the 

 ministry of subordinate agents. If such there be, 

 they act under a presiding, a controlling will ; be- 

 cause they act according to certain general restric- 

 tions, by certain common rules, and, as it should 

 seem, upon a general plan: but still such agents, 

 and different ranks, and classes and degrees of 

 them, may be employed.^^ 



^ The extraordinary discoveries in geology made since Dr. Pa- 

 ley's time by the study of fossil osteology by no means impair his 

 argument as to Unity when rightly considered. These will be 

 fully discussed in the Appendix, and they throw material light 

 upon other branches of the sebject. 



25 Addison, a person of practical understanding, calm tempera- 

 ment, and widely removed from all enthusiasm, (Spectator, No. 

 100,) states very plainly his behcf in spirits, not in the religious 

 and philosophical sense of subordinate agents, adopted by Dr. 

 Paley, but in the popular sense of ghosts. He rests his opinion, 

 as Dr. Johnson did his strong inclination towards the same belief, 

 upon the cogency of testimony. Respecting witchcraft, he else- 

 where (No. 117) expresses the inclination of his opinion in favour 

 of it generally and abstractedly ; but refusing all credit to particu- 

 lar instances. The feeling which dictates such a disposition to 

 believe in a spiritual world is natural, as well as amiable. But it 

 may be questioned if religion does not lose as much as it can gain 

 by indulging in it. 



