384 CONCLUDING REMARKS. [Ch. XXVI. 



before our times, and if we still find no decided evidence of a 

 commencement, yet the arguments from analogy in support of 

 the probability of a beginning remain unshaken ; and if the 

 past duration of the earth be finite, then the aggregate of geo- 

 logical epochs, however numerous, must constitute a mere 

 moment of the past, a mere infinitessimal portion of eternity. 



It has been argued, that as the different states of the earth's 

 surface, and the different species by which it has been inhabited, 

 have had each their origin, and many of them their termina- 

 tion, so the entire series may have commenced at a certain 

 period. It has also been urged, that as we admit the creation 

 of man to have occurred at a comparatively modern epoch 

 as we concede the astonishing fact of the first introduction of a 

 moral and intellectual being, so also we may conceive the first 

 creation of the planet itself. 



We are far from denying the weight of this reasoning from 

 analogy ; but although it may strengthen our conviction, that 

 the present system of change has not gone on from eternity, it 

 cannot warrant us in presuming that we shall be permitted to 

 behold the signs of the earth's origin, or the evidences of the 

 first introduction into it of organic beings. 



In vain do we aspire to assign limits to the works of creation 

 in space, whether we examine the starry heavens, or that world 

 of minute animalcules which is revealed to us by the microscope. 

 We are prepared, therefore, to find that in time also, the confines 

 of the universe lie beyond the reach of mortal ken. But in 

 whatever direction we pursue our researches, whether in time 

 or space, we discover everywhere the clear proofs of a Creative 

 Intelligence, and of His foresight, wisdom, and power. 



As geologists, we learn that it is not only the present 

 condition of the globe that has been suited to the accommodation 

 of myriads of living creatures, but that many former states 

 also have been equally adapted to the organization and habits 

 of prior races of beings. The disposition of the seas, conti- 

 nents, and islands, and the climates have varied ; so it appears 

 that the species have been changed, and yet they have all 



