APRIL. 27 



no means the largest, are yet of immense bulk com 

 pared with the seeds of the orchis ; and these last, 

 though so fine as to be scarcely visible except in a 

 heap, are in their turn probably as much larger than 

 those of the moss. There is reason to believe that in 

 the atmosphere are constantly floating millions upon 

 millions of delicate germs ; that we take these germs 

 into our bodies when we breathe ; that they become 

 embedded in every species and description of food ; 

 that they are associated,- in a word, with every con- 

 ceivable substance, and are as universal in their 

 penetration as the light of the sun. The inexpressible 

 minuteness of every particular seed alone renders this 

 possible, and perhaps it is by the minuteness that the 

 indestructibility is partly insured. Seeds, accordingly, 

 are not to be thought of merely in the idea of those 

 we sow in the garden, with a view to wholesome veg- 

 etables and fragrant flowers. These form but a very 

 minute portion of the entire quantity ; and though 

 their destiny may seem more dignified, it may be ques* 

 tioned whether in the economy of nature the little 

 seeds which we never behold, do not play a part quite 

 as salutary and important. For in judging of nature 

 and its processes, we err if we think those only to be 

 grand and splendid which are promotive of benefit to 

 ourselves. Since all things have been created for the 

 glory of God, an equal splendor attaches to every 

 phenomenon and process, however trifling in our eyes, 



