INFLUENCE OF CLIMATE. 415 



upon us by this subject lies in two words — Education and Inter- 

 communication. He says, "While legislation has been brought to 

 bear in all directions upon the former, the latter has been almost 

 entirely neglected in a national point of view. It is not enough 

 that there should be a free movement of thought, a free movement 

 of the people is of equal importance. Travel increases as its cost 

 diminishes. Whatever therefore operates as a tax on locomotion, 

 is inconsistent with the highest principles of State policy. Let the 

 State assume the proprietorship of all our gi-eat highways of travel, 

 reducing the rates to a minimum, and the social and political 

 results would be beyond computation." 



But while nature compels u5 to yield obedience to one class of 

 her forces, she places within our reach other agencies by which we 

 can prevail over them, and hold tlieir influences in check. It is 

 steam, as applied to the purposes of locomotion, that will accom- 

 plish the much needed social and political revolution in our country 

 and avert the evil consequences of climate influence. It is by our 

 knowledge of nature alone that wo can come into harmony with 

 her laws. 



In the light of this truth modern civilization is being evolved, 

 and in proportion as we apply thi» fact to practical life will that 

 evolution be carried forward. Steam, electricity and sunlight 

 were as abundant in the days of Abraham as now ; yet these 

 mighty forces have been patiently waiting through these many 

 centuries, mutely looking man in the face, longing to be invited 

 to do his work, to go on his errands, and to adorn his dwelling. 

 As soon as we say to the lightning "Go," it goeth. Just as 

 speedily, when we say to it "Do this," will it do our bidding. 



Nature waiting to be our servant ! The thought commends 

 itself to the intellect. A glimpse of this truth should call from 

 our souls a cry of exultation and joy. What man once seeing 

 this can lose it from his thoughts, or be satisfied with meaner 

 things ! Surely, in more than the common acceptation are the 

 words of Paul truthful, when in prophetic vision, having caught a 

 glimpse of the day when man, delivered from the thraldom of sin 

 and ignorance, should come into the full enjoyment of the noon- 

 tide glory of science, he said: "For the earnest expectation of 

 the whole creation waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of 

 God ; because nature ifee//" shall also be delivered into the glorious 

 liberty of the children of God ; for the whole creation groaneth 

 and travaileth in pain together until that day." When, therefore, 



