32 THE CREATION OF MATTER 



affinity; and if we consider its action throughout the 

 whole field of matter, we shall see that the evidence of 

 the presence and action of mind in it is overwhelmingly 

 strong. 



Chemical affinity shows an adjustment of the finest 

 kind, of nicety unapproachable. What the exact form 

 and nature of the atoms may be, in what way they unite 

 so intimately as not to be like a mixture, but to manifest 

 characteristics entirely new, it may be impossible accur- 

 ately and certainly to determine. But it is as impossible 

 to entertain the faintest doubt that they have a form and 

 nature very specially suited to their entering into the 

 glory of chemical union. Not every chance form and 

 nature would permit; irregularity even of figure would 

 prevent; even the figure must be exquisitely adapted. 

 And of still more exquisite perfection of adaptation must 

 be the force that unites, must be the characteristics which 

 mingle so matchlessly. The force must be minutely 

 adjusted, the qualities minutely adjusted. The least 

 deviation from exact correspondence in either would 

 render their combination impossible or irregular. But 

 throughout the whole chemical field no irregularity is 

 found. Is it not then a mark of mind, most clear and 

 finely impressed, that atoms have a form and nature 

 which fits them for an adjustment the finest, an adjust- 

 ment immeasurably finer than any devised by the genius 

 of man ? 



Chemical affinity is a wonderful adjustment and char- 

 acteristic of matter. Simple mixture, though widely 

 useful, is nothing to it. How beautifully the atoms 

 act ! How splendidly they do their work ! What 

 cunning virtues they manifest ! What activities they 

 show ! What readiness for the exercise of their powers ! 

 How perfect is their adaptation to what seems to the 



