270 EXPLANATIONS. 



agency, we readily acknowledge that matter? ire so con- 

 trived as not to need a divine interposition ii a different 

 manner from that in which it had been constantly exert- 

 ed. And it is most evident that an unremitting energy, 

 displayed in such circumstances, greatly exalts our idea 

 of God, instead of depressing it ; and therefore, by the 

 way, is so much the more likely to be true." The Edin- 

 burgh' reviewer denies that there is any lowering of the 

 divine character in supposing a system of special exer- 

 tion. " The law of creation," he says " is the law of the 

 Divine will, and nothing else besides. . . The fiat of 

 the Almighty was sufficient at all times, and for all the 

 phenomena of the universe, material and moral." 



"It may be true," he continues, " that in the concep- 

 tion of the Divine mind there is no difference between the 

 creation of dead matter and its unbending laws, and the 

 creation of organic structures subservient to all the func- 

 tions of individual life. But such views are, and must be, 

 above our comprehension. . . Each organic structure 

 is a miracle as incomprehensible as the creation of a plan- 

 etary system ; and each structure is a microcosm related 

 to all other worlds within the ken of sense ; yet governed 

 by laws and revolving cycles within itself, and implied in 

 the very conditions of its existence. What know we of 

 the God of nature (we speak only of natural means,) ex- 

 cept through the faculties he has given us, rightly em- 

 ployed on the materials around us ? In this we rise to a 

 conception of material inorganic laws, in beautiful har- 

 mony and adjustment ; and they suggest to us the con- 

 ception of infinite power and wisdom. In like manner we 

 rise to a conception of organic laws — of means (often 

 almost purely mechanical as they seem to us, and their 

 organic functions well comprehended) adapted to an end, 

 — and that end only the well-being of a creature endowed 

 with sensation and volition. Thus we rise to a concep- 

 tion both of Divine power and Divine goodness; and we 

 are constrained to believe, not merely that all material law 

 is subordinate to His will, but that he has also (in the way 

 he allows us to see His works) so exhibited the attributes 

 of His will, as to show himself to the mind of man as a 

 personal and superintending God, concentrating his will 

 on every atom of the universe." The reviewer then cen- 

 sures the language used in my book with respect to the 

 idea of special creative efforts. " Does not our amthor," 



