Crystals Clouds. 2 6 1 



light ; and the enchanting beauties of the rainbow, 

 painted in the falling drops, as something neces- 

 sary in the nature of things. It is necessary accord- 

 in- to the present order of things, but such pro- 

 visions, or such relations, are strong evidence that 

 this order is the result of a plan. We know not 

 why the forms and colors of crystals may not be 

 part of the same provision. What sources of delight, 

 objects of beauty, are the crystals into which 

 nature forms the minerals and some organic produc- 

 tions ! We recognize in this selecting power of 

 crystalli/ation, a provision of the highest value to 

 man in many respects, and we have already con- 

 its relation to pure intellect. We have not 

 only the selecting power, but also the beauty of 

 Win, as exhibited in the primary and secondary 

 crystals, as well as the varied tints of all the gems. 

 The precious stones are not beautiful on account of 

 association merely, but are undoubtedly fitted, in 

 and of themselves, to gratify our love of beauty. 



When we come into the organic kingdom, the 

 provision is still more striking. The clouds and 

 the crystals may be lightly thought of, because they 

 are simply exhibitions of the properties of matter 

 and of light. But organic beings are on entirely 

 different ground. They once had no existence upon 

 the globe. Their beauty certainly is nothing fixed 

 or necessary. In many cases, no possible use can be 

 ascribed to certain forms, and the display of colors, 

 except to gratify the love of the beautiful in man. It 

 matters not whether we refer to the animal or vege- 



