1865.] Science, Politics, and Religion. 197 



starlit night, and with the telescope inspect that ruddy planet which 

 has shone so brightly in the heavens of late. With adequate enlarging 

 and defining powers he may discern its continents, and seas, and polar 

 snows so patent to the practised astronomical observer ; and it will 

 be no great stretch of the imagination to ponder on the nature of its 

 denizens, for doubtless it is peopled like our own bright world. 



Eemembering who rules in yonder distant orb (itself a pigmy 

 amongst giants in our solar system), he may now change the scene, 

 and scrutinize a water-drop beneath the microscope. There he will 

 see a multitude of forms, completely hidden from the unaided sight ; 

 some almost shapeless, others of the simplest type. And if he pa- 

 tiently observe this scene, he will perceive these Protozoa, these lowest 

 forms of life, to be endowed with locomotive powers, and instincts 

 suited to their habitat ; may see them grow and multiply, and, just as 

 in his outer world, vanquish or yield in one incessant " struggle for 

 existence." Here, then, he finds the same presiding Power as in the 

 distant planet, and if his little mind be capable of grasping such a 

 thought, let him reflect that the same Being rules alike in every floating 

 orb and every water-drop ! 



But we shall be told that the contemplation of these evidences of 

 mighty power does not appeal to the emotions of the human heart, 

 however it may serve to educate the intellect. 



We would not for a moment claim for nature an all-sufficing in- 

 fluence for good ; but even in this respect it is far from being im- 

 potent ; and if there be those who can find in it no moral influence, 

 the blame rests with them and not with nature. What a contrast is 

 presented to us when we compare the character of man as revealed by 

 modern society, with the Divine nature as it is read by the light of 

 modern science ! 



If Man ascends from what he deems a lowly station to a higher 

 sphere in life, the early objects of his thought and care are soon for- 

 gotten or neglected in the turmoil of the larger world in which he 

 moves. For him the humble friends of youth or early manhood pass 

 into another world long ere they are removed from this. Important 

 duties press; he has no time to think of trifles nor of little men, 

 except when these applaud Ms acts or further his great ends. He 

 does not heed the importunity of those who wish to benefit by his pro- 

 motion, not even though they were the means of raising him to his exalted 

 station. But is it so with Him whose laws the man of science seeks 

 to fathom and diffuse abroad? Whose power has brought the world 

 into existence ; whose forces guide the planets in their course ; who 

 slowly but unerringly works out the beautiful design ; who raises up, 

 first sentient creatures, then reflecting beings like Himself, and, watch- 

 ing o'er the fate of each, selects the strong and good, confers on them 

 dominion over those who break His laws, and ministers to the happi- 

 ness of all ! 



The Omnipotent, whose thoughts are occupied with His vast 

 scheme, so little understood by man, cares equally for worlds illu- 

 mined by His glorious suns, and for the animalcules which disport 

 themselves so joyously within the artificial sunshine reflected from the 



