VIEWED AS A RECREATION. TEz 
so that the dast joins to the jirst, as well as to that 
by which it was preceded. Secondly, that three 
of these circles always unite among themselves, and 
form a larger circle. Now these laws, it must be 
remembered, repose upon the firmest of all found- 
ations, namely, that of analysis; andare, consequently, 
capable of demonstrative proof. When, therefore, 
we find these laws hold good in every division of 
the animal world—when we discover that the con- 
tents of one circle are represented by those of 
another, and that by no other theory can we explain 
those innumerable phenomena and relations which 
we see in nature —we cannot for a moment believe 
that this extraordinary harmony is not a part of the 
system of creation.* 
(64.) II. If we are asked, what are the chief uses 
and what the advantages of natural history? we 
should reply, that it not only leads us to look to 
heaven, but that it opens one of the greatest sources 
of happiness on earth. In the preceding pages, 
we have dwelt sufficiently on the first of these 
topics; we will now enquire into the second. It 
might be expected, perhaps, that, before we enu- 
merated these minor advantages of natural history, 
we should show in what manner it is an intellectual 
science; and thereby make good its claim to be 
ranked among those which, for their successful 

* The Christian philosopher will not fail to perceive the 
interesting field of enquiry which here expands itself; in 
which he may obserye the close analogy that exists between 
the revealed character of God, and the material creatures of 
His creation. 
ia 
