46 PROPERTIES OF MATTS& 



stamps the character, and the features of ever? 

 living system. In its essence, it must be defi- 

 nite, because the body which it has formed, 

 dnd in which it is contained, is limited in the 

 extent of its growth, and is prevented frohi ac- 

 quiring indefinite magnitude; although the 

 causes for its perpetual increase continue to 

 be applied. It must possess &jortnative power, 

 because every living system we behold, from 

 the most gigantic and complicated, to the most 

 insignificant and simple, is marked by a pecu- 

 liarity in the order and arrangement of its 

 parts. 



In its energy, it must be active, not only be- 

 cause it imparts activity and form to the passi- 

 vity and imbecility of matter, but becomes the 

 primary cause of the various operations which 

 this living matter performs. In that energy, it 

 must be temporal, because every living system 

 is transient and perishable, and in a constant 

 and unceasing state of progression, perfection, 

 and decay. 



Admitting these undeniable truths, the con- 

 clusion presses itself upon the mind with force 

 irresistible, that these attributes must, of neces- 

 sity, belong to a principle immaterial, and in- 

 corporeal, by whose activity, matter formless 

 becomes organised ; by whose vivacity it be- 

 comes endowed with the power of action, and 

 of motion; exerting the same influence, and 



