absolutely forbid the use of it. They object to us the feigned authority of synods, and magnify the great peril of the Christian faith, and the danger of the Church." It is a subject deeply to be regretted, that, in past times, the ministers of religion have been the greatest enemies to the universal distribution of the scriptures; while Royal Dukes have formerly, as well as in the present day, advocated the principle upon which the British and Foreign Bible Society invariably acts. So of fensive, it seems, was this translation of the Bible to those who were for taking away the key of knowledge, and means of better information, especially in matters of religion and eternal salvation, that a bill was brought into the House of Lords, 1390, 13th Rich. II. for the suppressing it. On which the Duke of Lancaster, the king's uncle, said to this effect: "We will not be the dregs of all, seeing other nations have the law of God, which is the law of our faith written in their own language. At the same time declaring, in a very solemn manner, that he would maintain our having this law in our tongue against those, whoever they should be, who first brought in the bill. The Duke was seconded by others, who said, "if the gospel, by its being translated into English, was the occasion of men's running into error, they might know that there were more heretics to be found among the Latins than among the people of any other language." I cannot close this letter, Sir, without laying before you the opinion of of the Roman Catholic Clergy, relative to the circulation of the scriptures in our own tongue. "Herefore on gret byshop of Englelond, as men sayen, is yuel payed, that Godde's law is written in englysch to lewede men, and he persueth a prest for he wryteth this englysche, and sompneth hym, that hyt is harde to him to route. O men that be of Christe's halfe, helpe ye now agynes antechrist. For the perylouse tyme is comen that Crist and Poule tolden byfore. But on coumfort it is of Knyghtes that they saveren muche the gospel and have wylle to rede in Englysche the gospel of Criste's lyf. Crist helpe hys churche fro these feudes for they fryghten perylously." Lewis in his History of the Translations of the Bible, says, " By one great Bishop of England is, I suppose, meant John Bokynham, at that time Bishop of Lincoln, in whose diocese Dr. Wiclif was promoted, and by whom it seems he was summoned and prosecuted fer his translating the scriptures into English." If these are dangerous principles, as the editor of the London Paper affirms, why not state them,' and say in which rule of the Society they exist. To such a charge I would reply, in the words of Dr. Collyer, who, in repelling the insinuation that the members of the British and Foreign Bible Society had entered into a conspiracy against the Establishment and State, "a conspiracy, at the head of which," said he, “I find their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of York, of Kent, of Cumberland, of Sussex, and of Cambridge-a conspiracy in which I see combined the Right Reverend Prelates of Norwich, of St. David's, and many others a conspiracy in which I see the Liberator of Africa and the Pacificator of America-a conspiracy in which the opposition and the ministry are agreed—a conspiracy never to be overthrown by that mode of attack which is employed against the Institution." I am, Sir, Yours, &c. which cover the breast-those which constitute the fore-part, and sides of the abdomen, and the great muscles that are spread over the back. These last are numerous and large: they arise from the whole length of the spine: and also, some portions from the back part of the skull; and from these different parts, they spread over and cover the back of the trunk, and proceed onward to be inserted, some into the base of the arm, others into the spine, at a distance from their origin, and the remainder into the ribs and back-part of the skull. They accordingly not only cover and protect the whole back-part of the body, 706 Natural Theology. No. XI.-Muscular Motion. but serve to pull the head backwards, move the arms, assist in respiration by acting on the ribs, and to give us an erect posture by extending the spine. The cavity of the abdomen is completed by a few broad and thin muscles, which constitute as it were walls for covering in and containing the viscera. These also assist respiration by helping to expel the air from the lungs, and they contribute to the movement of the body. The ribs are raised, and the cavity of the chest enlarged, during inspiration, by eleven double rows of small muscles on each side. They grow out from the lower edge of one rib, are inserted into the upper rim of the next. Of the muscles within the body, the principal one is called the diaphragm, which is a broad thin muscle, occupying, partly a horizontal position, when the body is erect; but inclining downwards towards the back, and dividing the trunk of the body into two great cavities, the thorax and abdomen. It is the principal agent in respiration. The other muscles within the body arise from the sides of the lower end of the back-bone, and from the inner surface of the pelvis, and passing down to be inserted into the thigh-bone, a little below its head, they help to turn the toes outward, and also to bend the thigh when the limb is fixed they assist in bending the body. : Muscles of the superior extremities: these are usually divided into those that are situated on the shoulder-blade -ou the arm-the fore-arm, and on the hand. Those situated on the shoulder-blade are inserted into the bone of the arm to effect its movements. There are seven of these. The fore-arm is moved by four muscles, which arise from the upper part of the arm bone, and, passing over the elbow joint, are inserted into the upper ends of the two bones of the fore-arm. The hand is moved at the wrist by six muscles, of these three arise from the upper part of the fore-arm, and descending along its whole length are continued over the wrist, and are inserted into the hand close to this joint; they bend the hand, and are consequently called its flexors. Three others called extensors, because they extend the hand, and bring it backwards, arise from the lower end of the arm bone, and are inserted into the back of the hand just beyond the wrist all these muscles, before they reach the wrist, become slender tendons. Besides these there are four short muscles which extend obliquely across from one bone of the fore-arm to the other, and roll the radius upon the ulua, carrying the wrist round in circles, hence we are enabled to turn the palm of the hand either upwards or downwards. The fingers are principally moved by two flexors and one extensor. The former arise from the upper part of the fore-arm near the bend, and running down towards the wrist, send off four round tendons to each, which passing over the palm of the hand, are inserted into the several bones of the fingers: one set of tendons pass through slits in the other set, which assist in binding them down when the fingers are bent. The extensor muscle arises above the elbow, passes down the fore-arm, and is divided into four round tendons, which may be felt on the back of the hand, and which are inserted into all the bones of the four fingers for extending them. The motions of the fingers and those of the thumb are performed by muscles situated chiefly in the hand. In speaking of the openings in one set of tendons to admit others to pass through them, Dr. Paley asks, “What contrivance can be more mechanical, a slit in one tendon to let another pass through it? This structure is found in the tendons which move the toes and fingers. The long tendon, as it is called, in the foot, which bends the first joint of the toe, passes through the short tendon which bends the se cond joint, which course allows to the sinew more liberty, and a more conmodious action, than it would otherwise have been capable of exerting. There is nothing, I believe, in a silk or cotton mill, in the belts, or straps, or ropes, by which motion is communicated from one part of the machine to another, that is more artificial, or more evidently so, than this perforation." It may be farther observed, that there is always an exact relation be tween the joint and the muscles which move it. That is, whatever kind of motion the joint, by its construction, is capable of performing, that motion the annexed muscles, by their position, are capable of producing. If there be, for instance, at the elbow, a hinge joint, capable of motion only in the same plane, the leaders as they are called, that is, the muscular tendons, are placed in directions parallel to the bone, so as, by the contraction or relaxation of the muscles to which they belong, to produce that motion and no other. The celerity and precision of muscular motion may be well observed in the execution of many species of instrumental music, in which the changes produced by the hand of the musician are exceedingly rapid, are exactly measured, even when most minute, and display, on the part of the muscles, an obedience of action, alike wonderful for its quickness and its correctness. The same may be noticed in the hand of a person while in the act of writing: we may consider the number of muscles which are brought to bear on the pen, and how the joint and adjusted operation of several tendons is concerned in every stroke, yet that 500 such strokes may be drawn in a minute. Scarcely a single letter can be turned without several of these tendinous contractions, yet how currently does the work proceed; and when we look at it, how faithful have the muscles been to their duty, how true to the order which habit has inculcated. For while the hand-writing is the same, an exactitude of order is preserved, whether a person write well or ill. These instances of music and writing shew not only the quickness and precision of muscular action, but its docility. Of the muscles of the inferior extremities, those which move the thigh arise from the pelvis, or the lower part of the trunk, descend over the hip joint and are inserted into the thigh-bone below its articulating head. The leg is moved by eleven muscles which arise partly from the pelvis, and partly from the upper end of the thigh-bone, and which passing over the knee-joint are inserted into the bones of the leg. The foot is moved by three extensors and four flexors. The extensors, at least two of them, arise from the lower end of the thighbone, near the bend of the knee, and soon after unite into the great fleshy bellies, which, swelling out, form the calf of the leg, but decreasing where the leg begins to grow small, they cach give off a broad thin tendon which uniting form the tendo Achillis, to be inserted into the extremity of the heel. These, which are very powerful muscles, extend the foot by bringing it backwards, and are principally engaged in running, walking, leaping, &c. Of the four flexors, the two first. arise from the upper part of the tibia, or principal bone of the leg, and continuing fleshy about half way down that limb, send off two round tendons, which pass under the inner ankle, and are inserted into the bones of the foot. The other two flexors arise from the upper part of the fibula or smaller bone of the leg, and send off two round tendons, which passing under the ankle, are inserted into the bones of the foot. The toes have likewise their extensors and flexors, but on these we need not enlarge. We have seen that the muscles or flesh cover and spread over the whole frame of bones, connecting and securing its different divisions and parts; and not only producing all its movements, but also giving to it fulness, shape and beauty. We have seen likewise that the action of the muscles is frequently wanted where their situation would be inconvenient, in which case the body of the muscle is placed in some commodious position at a distance, and made to communicate with the point of action by slender strings or tendons. "If the muscle," says Dr. Paley, "which move the fingers, had been placed in the palm or back of the hand, they would have swelled that part to an awkward and clumsy thickness. The beauty, the proportions of the part would have been destroyed. They are therefore disposed in the arm, even up to the elbow, and act by long tendons strapped down at the wrist, and passing under the ligament to the fingers, and to the joints of the fingers, which they severally move. In like manner, the muscles which move the toes, and many of the joints of the foot, are gracefully disposed in the calf of the leg, instead of forming an unweildly tumefaction in the foot itself. The observation may be repeated of the 708 Natural Theology. No. XI-Muscular Motion. muscle which draws the nictitating membrane over the eye. Its office is in the front of the eye; but its body is lodged in the back part of the globe, where it lies safe, and where it incumbers nothing." It is a fixed law that the contraction of a muscle is towards its centre. Therefore the subject for mechanism on each occasion is, so to modify the figure and adjust the position of the muscle as to produce the motion required agreeably to this law. Hence different muscles have a different configuration suited to their several of fices, and to their situation with respect to the work which they have to perform, on which account they are found under a multiplicity of forms and attitudes. The shape of the organ is susceptible of an incalculable variety, while the law and line of its contraction remain the same. In this, to refer again to the same writer, the muscular system may be said to bear a perfect resemblance to our works of art. An artist takes his materials as he finds them, and employs his skill and ingenuity in turning them to his account, by giving to the parts of his machine a form and relation, in which these properties may operate to the production of the effects intended. The muscles, it is said, act in the limbs with what is called a mechanical disadvantage, yet this is conducive to animal conveniency. Mechanism has always in view one of these two purposes, either to move a great weight slowly, or a light one rapidly. For the former of these purposes, a different arrangement of the muscles might be better than the present, but for the latter, the present structure is the true one. It is of much more consequence to a man to be able to carry his hand to his head with due expedition, than it would be to have the power of raising from the ground a heavier load than he can at present lift. The last faculty may occasionally be desirable, but the other he wants and uses every day and hour. On Muscular Motion. Muscular motions are of three kinds, viz. voluntary, involuntary and mixed. The voluntary motions of muscles are such as proceed from an immediate exertion of the active powers of the will: thus the mind directs the arm to be raised, the knee to be bent, the tongue to move, &c. The involun tary motions of the muscles are those which are performed by organs, seemingly of their own accord, and certainly without any attention of the mind, as the contraction and dilatation of the heart, arteries, veins, stomach, &c. The mixed motions are those which are in fact under the controul of the will, but which usually act without our being conscious that they do so, as in the muscles of respiration, the abdominal muscles and the diaphragm. Motion, as has been observed, is produced by the muscle contracting both its ends towards the centre, and since one end is fixed, the other must be drawn towards the centre of motion, and with it the bone to which it is affixed, and thus by the co-operation of several muscles, the whole body is put into action. This is the case with all the muscles of voluntary motion; their fibres contract on the application of the nervous influence, and the whole muscle shortens itself: on the same principle the other muscles perform involuntary motion. The heart, for instance, contracts from the stimulating properties of the blood; the arteries do the same. Motion in animals may be defined to be the contraction of the muscular fibre from the presence of some stimulating influence. But whence the muscular ure derives this contractile power and what is its nature baffles all inquiry. Its properties are, however, known, and it is distinguished from those feelings or motions which result from the nerves. Irritability, or the contractile force of the muscular fibre, is that power which belongs to muscles of shortening themselves, when in any way irritated, and is the source of motion and animal life. The nervous power is that property by which, when a nerve is irritated by pressure or by puncture, the animal feels pain, and the muscles supplied by that nerve are brought into motion. This power is the cause of voluntary motion, and relates chiefly to the enjoyments and consciousness of life. Sensibility, therefore, depends upon the nerves, but motion upon the muscles; both are equally admirable and inscrutable, the one conduces to all the enjoyments and all the sufferings of life, and to the intellectual faculties of Dr. Lloyd on the “ Greek Article.”—Mr. Yates on the Term Unitarian. 709 man: the other is the chief support of animal life, and the source of all the bodily powers. "And here," says a good writer on the subject, "we cannot help awfully contemplating this living power: the genius of man has invented pulleys and levers to accelerate motion: it has enabled him to anticipate all the mechanical helps which he has found in the mechanism of the human body. But compared to the lowest creature, animated with the living principle, the proudest works of his hands are but as dead matter. In the most perfect machines no new power is acquired; if there is any acquisition of force, there is a proportionate loss of time; but in muscular contraction, which is the immediate source of power in animals, there is a real increase of power without any loss of time." London, Nov. 9, 1815. SIR, THE argument in favour of the Deity of Christ, founded on the Greek Article, has been occasionally for four or five years, under my consideration. It is exceedingly vaunted, especially since Dr. Middleton has bestowed upon it so much labour, and supported it by a ponderous volume. His purpose has been answered, and he is rewarded by an Indian bishoprick. I am prepared to shew that the argument is totally unfounded, and that all the learning called to its aid by Middleton, Wordsworth, &c. is al together wasted. This attempt falls abortive like all former ones in the same cause, and comes a proof of the rottenness of the cause itself which it is meant to support; except so far as it has elevated to riches and honours its abortive supporters. As far as such a subject is capable of demonstration, I can demonstrate that the the friends of truth, opposed as they are by the whole power of Church and state, and countenanced only by the self-devotion which is supplied by the energy of virtue. It is even probable that my work, which could soon be ready for the press, would leave no small loss to be sustained by its author. Our body is small, and the learned in it, who alone could be expected to be much interested, are still less numerous, and not rich. The orthodox would not be eager to give countenance to naked truth. I wish to inquire, through the Repository, if the author might depend on sufficient support to shelter him from running any risk. He would cheerfully offer his labour on the altar of the God of truth. The price of the book would be from three to five shillings. How it can be ascertained whether I can be so protected, it is not within my power to advise. You and your readers must be far more competent to judge. Mr. Hunter, bookseller, St. Paul's Church Yard, may be consulted, and is the proper person to whom any plan may be proposed, by such as can engage for its execution. For myself, I frankly confess, that I can contribute to our great cause no more than my labour, of which I have always given much without hope of reward. It is now left to the friends of pure Christianity to decide whether they will leave the boasted argument from the Greek Article to maintain its triumph unopposed. Nothing has yet been done with effect against it. Let shame fall on me, if after professing to demonstrate its nullity, I fail in the attempt. SIR, CHARLES LLOYD. Glasgow, Nov 7, 1815. indulgent notice, which has new doctrine of the Greek Article failsbeen taken of my paper on the to prove the Divinity or Deity of Christ. My recompense will, of course, be very different from that of those who have profited so largely by maintaining the other side of the question. Nothing can be expected on the road which I pursue but the pleasure derived from the defence of truth; and it is an astonishing phenomenon in the history of man that such a complete triumph has been obtained by term Unitarian by several writers in your valuable Repository, induces me to send you a few lines for the purpose of explaining more fully my sentiments upon the application of the name Socinian to those Christians, who assert the simple humanity of Christ. By the expressions, employed in my former letter, I intended, in the first place, to intimate my doubts |