44 TJ?A^^'S ACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



trative of tlie wonders which this powerful instrument has been tlie 

 means of unvailing to human sight. These last are so numerous, so 

 varied, so marvelous in tlieir forms and movements and habits, and 

 BO constantly bursting upon us when least expected, in novel revela- 

 tions, that I know no study of which the tendency is more improving, 

 refining and elevating, than that which the microscope presents us in 

 tlie Avorld of the infinitely minute. There is no study M'hich draws 

 the mind more constantly and more irresistibly to the contemphition 

 of that wondrous creative power, which manifests itself no less mar- 

 velously in the tiniest monad than in the great beasts of the forest, or 

 the monsters of the deep ; or of that comprehensive benevolence which 

 provides alike for the wants of all, from the least even to the greatest. 

 Surveying this vast field of varied life, it is inconceivable how such 

 a thing as an atheist can be. The whole spirit which the study 

 inspires is a spirit of adoration and faith which yearns continually 

 to express itself in language like that of the poet : 



" These are thy glorious works, Parent of good ! 

 Ahnightj^ ! Thine this universal frame 

 Thus wondrous fair; Thyself how wondrous then, 

 Unspeakable, who sittest above these heavens, 

 To us invisible or diml}^ seen, 

 In these Thy lowest works ; yet these declare 

 Thy goodness beyond thought and power divine." 



