240 Natural Theology. 



man, we find recorded in the rocks what Moses 

 wrote, in substance, three thousand years ago : 

 And God said, Let the earth be prepared for man. 

 For this is a summary of the first chapter of Gene- 

 sis. And we wish to show, that in addition to these 

 provisions which simply make the earth a fit dwell- 

 ing-place for the animal kingdom, there have been 

 most wonderful provisions made for man alone ; but 

 provisions that he can avail himself of only as he is 

 an intellectual and progressive being. 



We recognize this provision for the intellect 

 in the nature of the various elements, and in their 

 distribution. The metals, the coal and the oil, of 

 each of which the earth holds inexhaustible quanti- 

 ties, are for man alone ; but he can avail himself of 

 them only as he is an intellectual being. He 

 reads the earth's history, translates her inscriptions, 

 and thus becoming master of her secrets, opens her 

 treasure-house and supplies his wants. 



With these treasures and with this mind, behold 

 the wonders that man accomplishes. He multiplies 

 his power ten thousand fold. He drives his vessels 

 against wind and tide. He lowers the hills and fills 

 the valleys ; stretching the iron rail, he whirls along 

 with breath of steam and sinews of iron that never 

 tire. He speaks through the iron wire, and his 

 friend hears the message though a thousand miles 

 away. He peers into space with his telescopes, maps 

 out the hills aad vallies of the moon, and measures 

 the belts and bands of planets. He brings to light 

 the hidden mysteries of the dust, and living forms 



