TRANSMUTABLE. 53 



does he reject the existing form, from which 

 his inference is drawn? Why first infer the 

 wildest improbability, arid then extend the range 

 of his speculation into the dark unknown, un- 

 fathomable myth of a pre-silurian world. 



Are we prepared to give up all our cherished 

 notions, and belief in the adaptation of structure 

 to the circumstances of existence. Our appre- 

 ciation of design, as the mark which the 

 Creator has imprinted on the created, to a 

 wild speculation without even the support of 

 the ordinary basis upon which reason argues 

 out its facts? 



We see a race of human beings living in 

 every part of the known world, gifted with the 

 highest mental faculties, and endowed with the 

 loftiest notions of religion. We see animals of 

 unnumbered forms roaming through the wild 

 and uncivilized tracts of the world. The sea 

 has its myriads, adapted to a special existence. 

 The birds of the air, in varied plumage 



"Bear on their wings and in their notes His praise." 



Descending lower in the scale of creation, we 

 see numberless forms of exquisite structure, all 

 in their appointed sphere. Go where we will 

 we find life, but always adapted to a special 

 end, and formed for a wise purpose. All this 

 we/ combine into a great scheme of creation, 

 ordained and perfected by Infinite Wisdom. 

 Adopt Mr. Darwin's theory, and what do we 

 see? Through the gloom of myriads of ages 



