92 WONDERS OF ORGANIC LIFE. 



Difficult, however, if not impracticable, as it 

 is for man, even when aided by all the appli- 

 ances of science, to define the point at which 

 the distinctions between the animal and the 

 vegetable kingdom terminate, it well becomes 

 the reader to pause, and admire the exquisite 

 skill and wisdom with which the great Author 

 of nature has bound together in one vast chain 

 the different orders of created beings. All are 

 mutually dependent. No part of the vast series, 

 however apparently insignificant, could be 

 altered or removed without injury to the 

 remaining portions. The humblest zoophyte 

 has its allotted place in the great kingdom of 

 nature, and in its limited sphere shows forth the 

 glory of its great Creator. Man alone stands an 

 anomaly in the midst of creation. While in an 

 unregenerate condition he fails to discharge 

 aright the high ends of his being. In this 

 respect the meanest insect is his superior, for it 

 perfectly fulfils the object of its existence, 

 while he is false to his. To man was given 

 the glorious privilege of holding communion 

 with his Creator, and of knowing, loving, and 

 obeying him. Sin, however, has separated 

 between him and God. He lias broken the 

 holy law of his Creator, and exposed himself 

 to the awful penalty of. everlasting misery. 

 How unspeakably important it is, that while 

 there is time he should avail himself of the 

 provision which the gospel has made for his 

 rescue, and seek pardon for his sins through 

 repentance, and faith in the blood of Christ, 



