316 Geological Society. 



quiescent intelligence, but as an active and anticipating intelligence : 

 and it is from this first principle of final causes, that we start with that 

 grand and cumulative argument, derived from all the complex func- 

 tions of organic nature. 



Geology lends a great and unexpected aid to the doctrine of final 

 causes j tor it has not merely added to the cumulative argument, by 

 the supply of new and striking instances, of mechanical structure ad- 

 justed to a purpose and that purpose accomplished ; but it has also 

 proved that the same pervading active principle, manifesting its power 

 in our times, has also manifested its power in times long anterior to 

 the records of our existence. 



But after all, some men seeing nothing but uniformity and con- 

 tinuity in the works of nature, have still contended (with what 1 think 

 a mistaken zeal for the honour of sacred truth), that the argument 

 from final causes proves nothing more than a quiescent intelligence. 

 I feel not the force of this objection. In geology, however, we can 

 meet it by another direct argument; for we not only find in our for- 

 mations organs mechanically constructed but at different epochs in 

 the history of the earth we have great changes of external conditions, 

 and corresponding changes of organic structure j and all this without 

 the shadow of a proof that one system of things graduates into, or is 

 the necessary and efficient cause of, the other. Yet in all these in- 

 stances of change, the organs, as far as we can comprehend their use, 

 are exactly those which were best suited to the functions of the being. 

 Hence we not only show intelligence contriving means adapted to 

 an end, but at successive times and periods contriving a change of 

 mechanism adapted to a change in external conditions. If this be not 

 the operation of a prospective and active intelligence, where are we 

 to look for it ? 



Our science is then connected with the loftiest of moral specula- 

 tions ; and I know no topic more fitting to the last sentiments I 

 wish to utter from this Chair. 



There is one way, and one way only, in which the higher intellec- 

 tual powers may be cramped by the pursuit of natural truth, and that 

 is by a too exclusive devotion to it. In the pursuit of any subject, 

 however lofty, a man may become narrow-minded, and in a condition 

 little better than that of moral servitude : but on this score we have 

 not much to fear. Every department of science offers its spoils for 

 our decoration ; we are carried into regions where we contemplate 

 the most glorious workmanship of Nature, and where the dullest ima- 

 gination becomes excited ; we are forced to travel through distant 

 lands, and become familiar with the complexions, and the feelings, 

 and the characters of mankind under every form of social life ; and in 

 doing this, if we be not most indocile learners, we must bear away 

 lessons of kindness, and forbearance, and freedom of thought, along 

 with the appropriate knowledge of our own vocation j and all this 

 we can carry with us into the business of life. These, Gentlemen, 

 are the high qualities which ought to form the ornament of this So- 

 ciety j and I am certain that I have seen their constant exercise in 

 the intercourse and the discussions of this room, where mutual good- 

 will, 



