' LIFE ON THE EARTH. 



ai<J i ''Qf .life linked together by peculiar asso- 

 ciations, which endure through long time amid vary- 

 ing phenomena, all suggestive of appointed succes- 

 sion and definite purpose. Perceiving that every 

 one thing exists as part of a system, that all effects 

 are parts of a series, and that the whole is com- 

 pacted together and kept in perpetual movement by 

 some determinate and general principles, we are con- 

 strained to believe that so perfect a plan must be 

 permanent and subject to no material change. Nor 

 is this inference much disturbed by the fact that in 

 every stage we perceive vicissitudes from the greater 

 to the less, and from the less to the greater : from 

 the simple to the complex, and from the complex to 

 the simple. For the changes which thus manifest 

 themselves appear, by sufficient experience, to be 

 often repeated in cycles of measurable duration, and 

 governed by laws which appear of perpetual efficacy. 

 Thus amidst all the diversity of nature nothing 

 appears accidental, nothing indefinite, nothing unfore- 

 seen, and it is this consideration which makes the 

 study of creation hopeful. We may never fathom 

 the mystery of the origin of life or the inner con- 

 stitution of matter, but every step we take in ac- 

 cordance with sound reason and reverent feeling 

 brings us nearer to a better understanding of the 

 problem, and is a step in the right direction. Let us, 



