430 On American Geological Histarp, 



gical contrasts. And was there not in all this a prophetic indica- 

 tion, which had long been growing more and more distinct, that 

 the Eastern Continent would be man's chosen birthplace ? that 

 the long series of living beings, which had been in slow pro- 

 gression through incalculable ages, would there at last attain its 

 highest exaltation ? that the stupendous system of nature would 

 there be opened to its fullest expansion ? 



Another of our number has shown in eloquent language how 

 the diversified features and productions of the Old World conspir- 

 ed to adapt it for the childhood and development of the race ; 

 and that, when beyond his pupilage, having accomplished his 

 rescue from himself and the tyranny of forces around him, and 

 broken the elements into his service, he needed to emerge from 

 the trammels of the school-house in order to enjoy his fullest free- 

 dom of thought and action, and social union. Professor Guyot 

 observes farther, that America, ever free, was the appointed land 

 for this freedom and union, — of which its open plains, and oneness 

 of structure, were a fit emblem ; and that, although long without 

 signs of progress or hope in its future, this land is to be centre of 

 hope and light to the world. 



In view of all these arrangements, man may well feel exalted. 

 He is the last of the grand series. At his approach, the fierce 

 tribes of the earth drew back, and the race dwindled to one-fourth 

 its bulk and ferocity, — the huge Mastodons, Lions, and Hyenas 

 yielding place to other species, better fit to be his attendants, and 

 more in harmonv v/ith the new creation. Partaking of the Divine 

 image, all nature pays him tribute ; the universe is his field of 

 study ; an eternity his future. Surely it is a high eminence on 

 which he stands. 



Yet he is only one of the series ; one individuality in the vast sys- 

 tem. How vain the philosophy which makes the creature the 

 God of nature, or nature its own author ! Infinitely beyond man, 

 infinitely beyond all created things, is that Being with whom this 

 system, and the combined systems of immensity, were as one pur- 

 pose of His will.* 



* This Address, exclusive of the notes, is cited from the Proceedings of 

 the Amer. Assoc. IXth Meeting at Providence, R. I. It was delivered 

 by the author on retiring from the duties of President. 



