THE DAWN OF THE EVOLUTIONARY PERIOD. 235 



with approval the idea which Hume had put forth, that 

 the globe itself 'might have been gradually produced 

 from very small beginnings, increasing by the activity of 

 its inherent principles rather than by a sudden evolution 

 of the whole by the Almighty fiat.' Nor did he regard 

 this view as being in the smallest degree antagonistic 

 to the Theistic conception of the universe ; for he adds : 

 'What a magnificent idea of the infinite power of THE 



GREAT ARCHITECT ! THE CAUSE OF CAUSES ! PARENT OF 

 PARENTS ! ENS ENTIUM !' 



