64 THE CHEMISTRY OF CREATION. 



cerned in the countless chemical phenomena 

 which are taking place so silently and imper- 

 ceptibly around, above, and beneath us. All 

 nature owns the sway of light, heat, actinism, 

 electricity, magnetism, and gravity. Yet the 

 real constitution of every one of these powers is 

 hidden from us. Philosophy is completely at a 

 loss, when she is asked what are light, or heat, 

 or any of the other active agencies enumerated. 

 We can estimate and correctly describe their 

 effects ; but there we must stop. Many men of 

 science in the present day appear to think they 

 are all modifications of one principle ; we have, 

 however, much to learn before this can be 

 rendered a probable, or at least, a satisfactory 

 view of the subject. It is a reflection full of con- 

 solation to the Christian mind to remember that 

 all these agencies, so active in themselves, and 

 so powerful, are only subordinate instruments 

 in the hands of an ever-superintending God, the 

 Creator, and can only do that which He pleases 

 fulfil that which He has first commanded. 

 Other thoughts, however, and a new range of 

 inquiry, await us. 



