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, 



