NATURAL THEOLOGY. 125 



as they evidently require to be stronger on account of 

 their insertion so near the joint. Thus, a small 

 thread would move a door, if applied to the handle, 

 though it would snap asunder, if fastened close to the 

 hinge. But let it be a strong cord and a powerful 

 hand, and the nearer the hinge the better for a swift 

 motion. Now, rapid motions are necessary to us in 

 a thousand familiar actions. 



B. I perceive it. The rapidity of the motion 

 is frequently the first object required ; as in cleaving 

 wood, driving a nail, he. Here a slow motion, how- 

 ever forcible would not answer the purpose. A gi- 

 ant could not press a wedge into a stick of timber. 

 By the present arrangement, I see we have an ap- 

 plication of the muscular power without which it 

 would be insufficient for many actions quite necessary 

 for our existence, and the all-wise Artist has rather 

 chosen to strengthen the power itself, and subject it 

 to some mechanical disadvantages, than not to assign 

 it the best situation for the uses for which it is re- 

 quired. How amazing is that skill which has so 

 wisely arranged every part of our frame ! 



T. We seem to understand this organization so 

 well, I will venture upon another still more curious. 



B. When we visit a manufactory we are eager to 

 get some general idea of the machinery : how much 

 more interested should we feel to obtain what insight 

 we can into the works of our Almighty and benefi- 

 cent Creator! 



T. I was going to state a curious fact respecting 

 the muscles, and I beg your attention. Between 

 L2 



