Prof. Parsons on the Origin of Species. 13 
ries with him. So it is in the journeyings of the mind. Let 
that go where it will it carries itself, and uses itself as the organ 
for giving form and effect to all that it receives. 
e poet may say that the undevout astronomer is mad; but 
astronomy, and every science cultivated among men, has those 
who are devoted to it with the most faithful assiduity, and who 
extend its borders and enlighten its dark places, and who are, 
nevertheless, utter unbelievers as to God and religion; and find 
in their science support for their unbelief. To minister to re- 
ligion is the highest, the consummating work of science; but 
science cannot render this service where there is no religion to 
accept it. So will it be with the theory of the creation of all 
things by successive generative and variant production, if it be 
established in any form whatever. 
This man will read it to whom the idea of God is an offense 
anda pain. His unbelief holds him in subjection; and when 
dwells on that as a choice morsel. He will study this new theory, 
and find in it-new evidence that God is a mere superfluity; and 
he will say exultingly, now we have proof that the laws of the 
world and their own necessity are all that a truly rational mind 
canask. And he will deny, or forget, that there is no possible 
conception which so imperatively demands a lawgiver, as law ; 
and none which so requires a cause to set it in action, as an ac- 
tive necessity. 
lity. 
And a third man will see in this theory new proof of the 
eternal working of the personal God in whom he believes. He 
