114 DISCOVERY OF LINKS IN CREATION. 
The study of these Remains presents to the 
Zoologist a large amount of extinct species and 
genera, bearing important relations to existing 
forms of animals and vegetables, and often sup- 
plying links that had hitherto appeared deficient, 
in the great chain whereby all animated beings 
. are held together in a series of near and gradual 
connexions. 
This discovery, amid the relics of past crea- 
tions, of links that seemed wanting in the present 
system of organic nature, affords to natural 
Theology an important argument, in proving 
the unity and universal agency of a common 
great first cause ; since every individual in such 
an uniform and closely connected series, is thus 
shown to be an integral part of one grand 
original design. 
The non-discovery of such links indeed, would 
form but a negative and feeble argument against 
the common origin of organic beings, widely 
separated from one another ; because, for aught 
we know, the existence of intervals may have 
formed part of the original design of a common 
creator; and because such apparent voids may 
perhaps exist only in our own imperfect know- 
ledge ; but the presence of such links throughout 
all past and present modifications of being, 
shows an unity of design which proves the unity 
of the intelligence in which it originated. 
It is indeed true that animals and vegetables 
