CONSTITUTION AND LAWS OF THE AIR. 379 



heavens declare the glory of God, and the 

 firmament" or atmosphere, " showeth his handy- 

 work;" and, perhaps, in no part of creation 

 is the wisdom, beneficence, and power of God 

 more remarkably conspicuous than in the con- 

 stitution and laws of the atmosphere. In the 

 dews of evening in the heaven-descending 

 shower in the gentle breeze, nay, even in the 

 tempest and in all the physical phenomena of 

 the air, we have tokens of the Divine wisdom, 

 goodness, and power, apparent to every mind; 

 but the wonders of its creation appear most on 

 a survey of its chemical constitution. Here we 

 are taught how wondrously are the animal and 

 vegetable worlds mutually dependent for exist- 

 ence on the atmosphere; and, more singular 

 still, how each depends also upon the other 

 through this very medium. We learn, also, 

 that the whole surface of the earth is more or 

 less under the influence of the same chemical 

 agents which connect the air with animals and 

 plants. In short, we learn that the atmosphere 

 not only surrounds all things, but is constantly 

 exercising the most important effects upon 

 their condition and character ; yet all is harmo- 

 niously arranged countless chemical processes 

 are carried on without confusion, and innu- 

 merable ends are accomplished by the same 



