38 THE SCIENCE OF LIFE. 



character in all its parts, and which may continually de- 

 crease in the size of its windings without coming to a 

 point, or increase the number of its convolutions to in- 

 finity. Such a spiral may illustrate the continuity, yet 

 varying amplitude, of creation. We may trace the pro- 

 gressive windings of creative power from the motions of 

 inorganic bodies in space to the motions of bioplasm in 

 the vegetable world and to the higher nerve-structures 

 of animal life. In all organic matter we see the work- 

 manship of the same Great Artist : 



" Lo ! on each seed within its slender rind 

 Life's golden threads in endless circles wind ; 

 Maze within maze the lucid webs are rolled, 

 And, as they burst, the living flame unfold." 



In exact truth, however, each widening circle of crea- 

 tion exhibits some new and higher form of creative 

 power and skill. The circle widens, and is also in an- 

 other plane. Something has pushed forward the center. 

 Every spiral requires a progressive force, as well as a 

 centripetal and centrifugal one. Each specialization 

 either elevation of type or specific difference involves 

 new force-expenditure. Certain factors have been suc- 

 cessively added. First, we find inorganic matter, of 

 many kinds, or of a single kind. Next, the physical 

 forces, so-called, but really the activity of a personal 

 Creator on the matter he has formed. Then we find 

 life, or the activities in matter of created spirits in most 

 wonderful gradation. Rising to another plane we find 

 added to this life mind-force, or intelligence. Still 

 higher we find spirit, properly so-called, possessed with 

 moral properties, giving dignity to men and angels. 



