OF CREATION. 381 



take a general view of the whole subject, tracing as 

 far as I am able the gradual development of life 

 upon the globe. 



Now a very superficial glance at general natural 

 history will show, that however great the difference 

 may be between the groups characteristic of any two 

 geological periods at the same spot a difference, 

 therefore, corresponding to a lapse of time the dis- 

 tinction is equally marked at the present day in 

 living groups with respect to space. Whatever, also, 

 may have been the law anciently in force with refer- 

 ence to the succession of organic beings on the earth, 

 and the introduction of new ones, that law, so far 

 as we can tell, is permanent and uniform. 



It appears, therefore, that a vast and comprehen- 

 sive plan, still perhaps only partially unfolded, marks 

 at once the infinite wisdom, the infinite power, and 

 the infinite goodness of the Creator ; and we may 

 also conclude, that this method of action, or, if we 

 will so call it, this law, may involve in its vast com- 

 pass, not merely our own planet, but some or all 

 of those orbs which circle round our sun, and per- 

 haps, also, those unnumbered systems, which, like 

 our own, are in motion through space. It is pos- 

 sible that all these bodies may in their progress ex- 

 hibit an analogous method of development, consisting 

 of the elaboration of series of groups, alike and yet 

 different, each perfectly adapted to its purpose in its 

 own way, and each having direct reference to all the 

 rest.* 



* It should, however, be distinctly understood, that there is not the 

 slightest reason to suppose any actual repetition of the same plan. The 

 evidence we have on the subject would rather lead us to conclude the 

 contrary ; but there may still be that amount of analogy which involves 

 unity of plan. 



