298 ZOOPHYTES. 



Therefore, this fact is certain, that there are examples of the birth of 

 the progeny being necessarily fatal to the parent ; that the cotemporary 

 survivance of both is incompatible with the ordinances governing their 

 race. 



Some among the zoophytes may be privileged by an existence of un- 

 common duration ; but, like the fairest flowers, the vigorous luxuriance of 

 the most beautiful is so transient, that they seem to live, — only to wither 

 and die. 



What profound subjects for meditation are the origin, the subsis- 

 tence, the distribution, the extinction, and renewal of the vital principle 

 throughout the universe ! 



It is an etherial essence, ever veiled from mortal eye, diffused amidst 

 the whole. Its presence can be recognized solely when combined with 

 that inanimate matter susceptible of its reception. Its fountain is incon- 

 ceivable : it is unknown : the spark is struck ; it glows — the breath is in- 

 fused at a moment which none can tell. 



Important changes follow the elicitation of life, which, from that mo- 

 ment, are advancing and maturing for the benefit of the being which is to 

 enjoy them, as the medium of enabling it to replenish the world, by succeed- 

 ing generations. Such is the grand device of Omnipotence. By the Deity 

 having reserved the creative power for the exercise of his own authority, 

 no more than the faculty of promoting evolution is granted to his crea- 

 tures. 



Thus, no subject whatever possessing the privilege of forming itself ; 

 ^— and all living animals being derived from each other ; nor any tendency 

 betrayed by matter, to frame subjects symmetrically constituted, that ever 

 either testify or are adapted for the reception or demonstrations of life, 

 we cannot allow that the universe has originated otherwise than by actual 

 creation. 



It signifies not whether the origin of each separate tribe be conjec- 

 tured from a primordial germ, or the origin of each living being, from a 

 secretion and depositation by the parent, comprising the elements of future 

 evolution, when concurring circumstances shall stimulate or admit, it is 

 only when the result is ripening, that the presence of life can be known. 



