116 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 
is a book of symbols; and if he require further 
evidence of this assurance, he finds it in the con- 
current opinions of some of the greatest and most 
learned men whom the world has produced. ‘The 
existence of an analogy between the material and 
the immaterial world has been a doctrine of firm 
belief in all Christian ages, and has been illustrated 
with force and eloquence by many powerful writers 
who were not men of science. There is one, how- 
ever, now among us who unites in himself the pious 
divine and the scientific naturalist, whose words 
are too remarkable not to be here quoted. “ The 
instruction of man was best secured by placing 
before him a book of emblems or symbols, in which 
one thing might represent another. If he was 
informed by his Creator that the works of creation 
constituted such a book, by the right interpretation 
of which he might arrive at spiritual verities, as 
well as natural knowledge ; curiosity, and the desire 
of information concerning these high and import- 
ant subjects, would stimulate him to the study of 
the mystic volume placed before him; in the pro- 
gress of which he would doubtless be assisted by 
that divine guidance which even now is with those 
who honestly seek the truth. Both divines and 
philosophers have embraced this opinion, which is 
built upon the word of God itself.” — Introduction 
to Entomology, vol. iv. p. 402. 
(63.) From the doctrines of affinity and analogy, 
which will subsequently be fully discussed, we learn 
two great truths. First, that the progression of the 
affinities of nature is circular; that is, every natural 
group has its objects disposed in a revolving series, 

