148 . UNITY OF SYSTEM. 



is a connection, as remarkable for its uuiformity throughout the series, as 

 for its being a proof that nothing is in vain, nor could any part of the 

 scale be removed without a serious detriment to the whole. 



Birmingham, March 20th., 1857. 



ON UNITY OF SYSTEM. 



(Continued from page 134.) 



It has been said with reference to other matters, that a curse attends 

 a standing still in them, and this remark is especially applicable to the 

 word of God, a true knowledge of which is particularly mentioned as 

 an inward growth, and should be ever progressive. In the sciences of 

 astronomy and chemistry the laws ordained by God in Nature have been 

 gradually separated by continual study from the errors of astrology and 

 alchemy; so also the Bible is beginning to be free from the tenfold quantity 

 of extraneous matter which has obstructed the knowledge of it. The science 

 of astronomy, as will be noticed in the sequel, helps us to understand 

 under what a totally different aspect creation will appear in the future 

 state of those to whom all things are promised; and also helps to 

 show why all previous knowledge must end with this life. In like manner 

 science, when it has dissipated the illusions of previous fancy, opens a far 

 wider scope for the imagination. 



The Bible comprehends very numerous and various examples of periods 

 beginning with degradation or renunciation, followed by a term of probation, 

 like the time of cessation, or of night in the epochs of creation, and 

 ending in the attainment of a much better state than that which was 

 renounced. The first chapter of Genesis contains the outlines of Geology, 

 and commences with ages very far more remote than any which have been 

 disclosed by that science. The six great epochs of creation are men- 

 tioned as six days, the seventh still continuing, and one day, as that 

 period is commonly understood, having been appointed to commemorate 

 it. The term day has five different applications in the beginning of the 

 Bible; the first is opposition to darkness, the second as the term for 

 each of the six epochs, the third in opposition to the night, or twelve 

 hours, the fourth as comprising a day and a night, or twenty-four hours, 

 the fifth as the six epochs, or the whole period of creation. 



The whole period comprises two great epochs, each mentioned as three 

 days, each commencing with light, and each third day comprising two acts of 

 creation, of which the second is quite different from any preceding one, 

 and indicates a future creation. And in like manner there have been in 

 each epoch some creatures which do not so properly belong to it as to 



