338 VIEW OF NATURE. 



animals and perfect plants. We have, in numerous instances, 

 pointed out striking analogies between the two great divisions 

 of organized bodies ; this subject might be greatly enlarged, 

 but every human effort has its limitation ; and we have already, 

 amid the multitude of interesting facts arid reflections present- 

 ed by the vegetable creation, far exceeded the bounds originally 

 prescribed. A few remarks upon the inorganized matter con- 

 nected with our globe, must close our present course. 



Inorganic bodies form the solid base of the globe. Minerals 

 are spread upon the face of the earth or lie buried beneath its 

 surface. They form vast masses of rocks, chains of moun- 

 tains, and the ground upon which we tread. The Water oc- 

 cupies a still greater surface of the earth than the land ; it is 

 filled with life and animation ; the treasures and wonders of 

 the deep seem almost unbounded. The Air, lighter than 

 earth and water, extending on all sides about forty miles in 

 height, surrounds the whole globe, separating us from the un- 

 known elements which exist beyond it. Among the inorgani- 

 zed substances upon our globe, is Heat or Caloric, a subtle fluid 

 wlu'ch pervades all matter, in an increasing proportion from 

 solids to fluids, and from fluids to gases ; and Light, which re- 

 flects its hues from terrestrial objects, producing by the de- 

 comi>osition of its rays, all the beautiful variety of colouring. 

 The laws which govern these two substances, so extended in 

 their existence, and so various in their operations, are explain- 

 ed in the sciences of Chemistry and Optics. 



Wherever we turn our eyes, we behold wonders ; " if we 

 go up to Heaven, God is there ;" " the firmament showeth 

 forth his handy work ;" if we contemplate the earth on which 

 we are placed, and all its varied tribes of beings, with the in- 

 organized substances formed for their comfort and subsistence, 

 we realize, that " even the hairs of our head are all number- 

 ed," and that it is indeed GOD, " who maketh the grass to 

 grow upon the mountains, and herbs for the use of man." 



Different kinds of inorganic matter The Deity manifested in his work. 



