NATURAL THEOLOGY. 91 



In our own globe, the case is clearer. New 

 countries- are continually discovered, but the old 

 la\vs of nature are always found in them ; new 

 plants, perhaps, or animals, but always in com- 

 pany with plants and animals wdiich we already 

 know ; and always possessing many of the same 

 general properties. We never get amongst such 

 original, or totally different, modes of existence, 

 as to indicate, that we are come into the province 

 of a different Creator, or under the direction of a 

 different will. In truth, the same order of things 

 attends us, wherever we go. The elements act 

 upon one another, electricity operates, the tides 

 rise and fall, the magnetic needle elects its posi- 

 tion, in one region of the earth and sea, as well as 

 in another. One atmosphere invests all parts of 

 the globe, and connects all; one sun illuminates, 

 one moon exerts its specific attraction upon all 

 parts. If there be a variety in natural effects, as, 

 e. g, in the tides of different seas, that very va- 

 riety is the result of the same cause, acting under 

 different circumstances. In many cases this is 

 proved ; in all, is probable. 



The inspection and comparison of living forms 



although we are entirely ignorant of the exact law and of the rea- 

 son for that law." 



This sentence derives a peculiar, though a painful interest from 

 the circumstance of its being in all likelihood the last written by 

 this profound and accompUshed astronomer, on subjects connect- 

 ed with his favourite study. It closed the communication received 

 from him, which was dated at Cloyne, June 25, 1835; and he 

 died at Dublin, in less than three months after (September 14.) 



