AND PHYSIOLOGY. 



427 



circumstances is a sixth example of benevolent intention in the 

 Author of nature. The range of this power is limited ; and 

 yet we are often surprised to what widely different conditions 

 We can be accustomed, and yet be comfortable in them by new 

 habits. In such a changing world as this is, such a power 

 seems almost indispensable, and yet only infinite skill could 

 attach it to organs which are controlled by inflexible chem- 

 ical and vital laws. Malevolence surely never would have be- 

 stowed it. 



804. Recuperative Power. — The recuperative power of 

 the animal system furnishes us with a seventh example of 

 benevolent provision by the Creator. However deeply acci- 

 dent or disease may have affected the system, if the vital pow- 

 ers be not destroyed, it is possible frequently to bring it back 

 a^ain to a state as sound and vigorous as before. The records 

 of pathology and surgery furnish most astonishing cases of 

 such restorations. And since accident and disease are so com- 

 mon, that scarcely any adult can boast of immunity from 

 them, what a sad picture would society present of cripples and 

 invalids, were this recuperative power wanting. It would be 

 just such a picture as infinite malevolence w r ould delight in. 

 Its opposite therefore indicates benevolence. 



805. Prospective Benevolence. — One other example only 

 will be given, and that may be called prospective benevolence. 

 Wasps and some other insects have an instinct which leads 

 them to deposit along with their eggs a supply of food for the 

 young insects when they are hatched, sufficient to nourish 

 them till they are old enough to take care of themselves. In 

 other animals nature provides a supply of milk to be ready 

 just at the time when needed by the progeny. The adult 

 man needs a firmer set of teeth than the in r ant, and so the 

 germs of these are placed beneath the earlier teeth, and these 

 at the proper time push their way upward, and crowd the 

 first set out of their sockets. In such cases the wants of 

 animals were anticipated by their Creator, just as a be- 



