378 THE CHEMISTKY OF CREATION. 



silent agency of the atmosphere. The com- 

 mand to the Jews of old, to let the land enjoy 

 her sabbaths, had, no doubt, a direct reference 

 to this object. The air and rain, with the 

 alternations of heat and cold, exert a powerful 

 influence upon the reposing surface. The mi- 

 neral ingredients previously insoluble, become 

 gradually dissolved under their operation, and a 

 store of them is collected for the uses of the next 

 year's vegetation. The land having " rested," 

 the seed is again committed to the ground, 

 springs up, and luxuriantly flourishes upon this 

 gathered hoard. So on, alternately : the at- 

 mospheric influences continuing to reproduce 

 what man carries away as fast as it is ripened, 

 in his corn, and other plants, and appropriates to 

 his own use. 



The atmosphere, in all these ways, influences 

 vegetation, and, indirectly also, animal life. 

 Its influence extends to the preparation of the 

 soil, is felt also in quickening the seed into 

 life, in supplying it with food, and, finally, 

 in reducing it when its course is ended when 

 its functions are all fulfilled to the dust of the 

 earth, and there preparing its ashes for the service 

 of a future race. 



We are told in the word of God,* that " the 



* Psalm xix. 1. 



