24 



or auy body capable of commeucing the process of decom- 

 position, the work begins and increases in measure and 

 action, according to the resistance encountered. Of the 

 elements generated from Actien, we may enumerate elec- 

 tricity, magnetism, light, heat and color, an atmosphere, 

 earth, and all it possesses. Electricity seems to be one of 

 the quickening, disintegrating powers, while magnetism is 

 more concentrative, and belongs to the fixing or consoli- 

 dating elements. The former takes no rest, but is ever 

 ffoadino; all other elements to action and drivins; them on 

 to their destiny, while the latter seizes the objects of its 

 concentrated labor, holding them fast and crystallizing 

 them in every form that nature demands. Of other exis- 

 tence of these elements, ])oth mechanical and chemical, 

 we have full proof. Mineralogy and chemistry liave 

 already enumerated and classified much for us. Geologj^ 

 vegetable chemistrj-, and atmospheric changes give us a 

 wide field to work in, and a reliable finger-board is ever 

 pointing us onward. The currents of electricity and 

 magnetism are no doubt governed by fixed laws, whicli 

 we are getting to understand better and better every day. 

 Their action as a secondary cause (Actien being first) may 

 be considered more important than ain' other elements 

 we now understand in the creation of worlds, and consoli- 

 dation of matter. Our planet, like the sun, may also 

 throw off a creating fluid or power, for the formation of 

 planets of its own. The moon appears like a cinder, 

 ragged and cavernous, around which bnt little atmosphere 

 exists, and consequently with no water or vegetable life. 

 These may be forming — approaching through time to a. 

 perfect liabitation, peopled and cultivated — a child of 

 earth and one of the gems of infinity. 



