12 INTRODUCTION. 



and thus the highest and most complex creature, by a 

 vital sympathy and a close physical relation, is connected 

 with the lowest and simplest organism, to teach him 

 humility, and inspire him with a deep interest in all the 

 works of his Maker ! 



" Nothing in this world is single ; 



All things, by a law divine, 

 In one another's being mingle." 



It may be asked by a class of individuals, unfor- 

 tunately too numerous, What is the use of these minute 

 plants 1 In the business language of the world things 

 are called useful when they promote the profit, con- 

 venience, or comfort of everyday life ; and useless when 

 they do not promote, or when they hinder either of these 

 desired ends. But this definition is extremely partial 

 and one-sided. There are higher purposes to serve in 

 this world than mere subservience to the physical wants 

 of man. There is a much higher utility than the mere 

 temporary and worldly one. The useful things of ex- 

 ternal life, indeed, should not be undervalued ; they are 

 the first things required, but they are not the sole or 

 the highest things necessary. Man must have food and 

 clothing in order to live ; but it must also be remem- 

 bered that man does not live by bread and the con- 

 veniences of external life alone. "Vtlien any one does 

 live by these alone, he has forfeited his claim to the 

 higher form of life which is his glorious privilege, and 

 by which he is distinguished from the lower animals. 

 Nature throughout her whole wide domains gives no 

 countenance to such a materialistic exclusiveness. She 

 is at once utilitarian and transcendental. Uses and 



