1 1 6 Nattiral Theology. 



or woods in autumn has been annoyed by the seeds 

 of vile weeds that fasten upon his clothing. But 

 when he pulls them off and casts them from him, he 

 has accomplished nature's purpose, the distribution 

 of the plant. The detested burdock fastens its whole 

 packages of seeds upon the passer-by with its mul- 

 titude of polished hooks, so that the ripened cover- 

 ing is sure to be ruptured before it can be unfas- 

 tened, and thus its seeds are scattered upon the soil. 

 These are a few of the examples of that special care 

 which Nature takes, that the germs of life which 

 she has prepared may be scattered where they may 

 find the conditions of their germination. We can 

 hardly help recognising design in the distribution 

 by means of animals, and by the waters of the ocean ; 

 but these may by some be regarded as accidental. 

 But when we see the machinery of springs, of bal- 

 loons, and cunningly-formed hooks and barbs, we 

 recognise a purpose, and the means wisely adapted 

 to carry out that purpose. We see the same thing 

 aimed at in both kingdoms. We see the end se- 

 cured by means the most diverse, so unlike that one 

 would never suggest the other, much less do they 

 impress us as resulting from any process of deve- 

 lopment. 



Still another provision is found in the great vital- 

 ity of certain seeds. Some of them have germi- 

 nated after having lain for centuries. It is no uncom- 

 mon thing to find the seeds in old fields springing 

 up with vigor, when the soil is turned and they are 

 brought under the influence of the sun and air. 



