846 



COSMOGONY. 



tronomical details, but, assuming the nebular theory to be true, briefly 

 to mention the great stages of progress in the history of the earth, or 

 those successive periods in time which stand out prominently through 

 the exhibition of some new idea in the grand system of progress. The 

 views here offered, and the following on the cosmogony of the Bible, 

 are essentially those brought out by Professor Guyot, in his lectures. 



Stages of Progress. — These stages of progress are the following: — 



(1.) The beginning OF activity in Matter. — In such a be- 

 ginning the activity would show itself instantly, by a manifestation of 

 light, since light is a resultant of molecular activity. A flash of light 

 through the universe would therefore be the first announcement of the 

 work begun. 



(2.) The development of the Earth. — A dividing and subdividing 

 of the original fluid, carried forward, would ultimately have evolved 

 systems of various grades, and ultimately the orbs of space, among 

 these the Earth, an igneous sphere enveloped in vapors. 



(3.) The production of the Earth's Physical Features, by the 

 outlining of the continents and oceans. The condensible vapors would 

 have gradually settled upon the earth, as cooling progressed. 



(4.) The introduction of Life, — in the first existence of the lowest 

 of plants, and of Protozoans among animals. In these simplest forms 

 of living beings, the systems of structure characterizing the Animal 

 kingdom, the Radiate, Mollascan, Articulate, and Vertebrate, are not 

 clearly pronounced. 



(5.) The display of the Systems in the Kingdoms of Life, — the ex- 

 hibition of the four grand types under the Animal kingdom, being the 

 predominant idea in this phase of progress. 



(6.) The introduction of the highest class of Vertebrates, — that of 

 Mammals, the class to which Man belongs, — eminent above all other 

 Vertebrates for a quality prophetic of a high moral purpose, — that of 

 suckling their young. 



(7.) The introduction of Man, — the first being gifted with moral 

 qualities and high reason, and one in whom the unity of nature has its 

 full expression. 



There is another great event in the Earth's history which has not 

 yet been mentioned, because of the uncertainty with regard to its ex- 

 act place among the others. The event referred to is the first shin- 

 ing of the sun upon the earth, after the vapors, which till then had 

 shrouded the sphere, were mostly condensed. This must have pre- 

 ceded the introduction of the Animal system, since the sun is the grand 

 source of activity throughout nature on the earth, and is essential to 

 the existence of life, excepting its lower forms. In the history of the 

 globe, which has been given on page 146, it has been shown that the 



