123 
natural selection ; but such unity of design and infinitely diver- 
sified result as must command admiration in every mind that is 
not debased by its hatred to the conception of an infinitely 
powerful Ruler. 
In all the chemical combinations and adaptations of matter 
we find something which delights our minds; as meeting our 
conceptions of that mathematical correctness and harmonious 
adaptation towards which our own desires (as regards our own 
productions) always tend. I have spoken of matter as regulated 
by mind, but I should rather have said dominated by mind ; 
for we never find in atoms and molecules the slightest tendency 
to swerve from the absolute laws to which they are subjected, 
lo speak of “promise'” and “potency” and “instinct” and 
“ desire ”* is to transfer to the ultimate particles of matter words 
expressive of ideas which have no relation to the subject. It is 
to prove false to science by coquetting with the language of 
poetry ! 
When life, and consequent organization are present, we have 
no longer the power to express ourselves as I have done above, 
lo illustrate this, without attempting explanation, let us take 
the case frequently occurring in the, vegetable or animal world, of 
two germs cohering and interfering with each other’s organ- 
ization. Here we have two wholly different kingdoms coexisting, 
subject to different laws. All the chemical combinations have 
taken place, as they always do, with rigid and mathematical 
accuracy ; whilst all the living germ combinations have been 
going wrong. 
There never is, nor can be, anything abnormal in the struc- 
ture of the molecules ; whilst nothing is more common in organized 
vital structure. 
_ When we extend our survey to the differentiated and indi- 
vidualized creatures, we find them not unfrequently departing 
more or less from their normal instincts, and suffering in con- 
sequence. 
. When we rise to the highest type— -man himself- — we find 
him ever rebelling against law, ever prone to transgress that 
which he knows to be the highest and best aim of his being. 
“ Video meliora proboque, deteriora sequor.” 
Wherever there is will, there is an element of uncertainty. 
* Page 82 . “ The very molecules seem instinct with a desire for union 
and growth.” 
