MIND IN MATTER. 311 



the ages of vertebrate history. It is an imperishable thought. 

 The Articulates present us another plan persistent for even a 

 longer period. The earth grew and attained completeness 

 according to a method. I have brought before your attention 

 the method of plant-making an astonishing history, which 

 correlates all our planets and satellites under one system. 

 There is the method of the movements of the planetary bodies. 

 Their paths are mathematical curves. There are other mathe- 

 matical relations existing among their distances, their periods, 

 their velocities. They are all swinging through vast irregu- 

 larities in their positions and movements; but these all pass 

 through cycles, and the old state is restored, showing that the 

 method of the planets is so all-comprehending and enduring 

 that seeming irregularities which continue for centuries, are 

 in fact but the fundamental features of a stupendous plan. 



Now a plan is a mental concept, framed by reflection, and 

 coordinating things which are the objects of separate cognition. 

 In brief, plan is the product of thought; it is a demonstra- 

 tion of the existence and presence and activity of mind. If 

 the material world is underlaid and pervaded and operated by 

 plan, method, law, then the world is a constant revelation of 

 a present intelligence, an omnipresent and omniscient Being. 



There is one plan which underlies all other plans. In a 

 brief and condensed way, I have attempted to show that the 

 plans exemplified in organic life and the plans exemplified in j 

 the formation of worlds, are only special exemplifications of 

 the all-embracing plan of evolution. Out of the infinite store- 

 house of possible plans under which the Supreme Power 

 might have proceeded in the origination of things, he has 

 chosen the method which we call evolution. This is a divine 

 choice. This sets forth a divine and eternal thought. This 

 embraces the world, the heavens, the universe, and every- / 

 where proclaims the Mind which instituted it. This great 

 all-embracing, all-confronting, all-enduring fact inspires our 

 souls with awe ; it illuminates the dark realm of matter with 

 the sunlight of a divine revelation ; it moves our souls with a 

 sentiment of humble and profound adoration. 



