97 
14. Bearing in mind these preliminaries, the authors proceed 
to consider the “ Principle of Continuity,” as now P 
scientifically accepted.-At first sight, we suppose, dffor St 
it might seem nearly equivalent to the Scripture tinuity - 
saying, all^ things continue ” (LXX. Sict/uevsi, and 2 Pet. 
in. 4) “to this day, according to Thine ordinance, for all things 
serve Thee.” . Things in this sense doubtless hold on without & a 
break. But it means, with our authors, more than this. Not 
only is it true in point of fact, (so that we, with the 
Psalmist, may acknowledge the upholding power of n is the 
Cod), but it is implied that there is a pervading holding on of 
necessity for this— a necessity not merely such as aphysica,law - 
all causation demands, (a connection of phenomena a continuity 
with preceding power— see p. 48— which introduces " f ot TcluSl 
another idea), but a holding on of a physical kind tion ’ is im * 
By virtue of this Continuity, the Universe is but one 1>liC<1 ' 
whole, and if we catch the thread at any point, it is a clue to 
sure science throughout. 
15. This law or principle of Continuity is illustrated by 
laminar astronomical examples (pp. 53-59). It is 
shown, too, that this law does not necessarily Examples ' 
imply an easy progress, or an always smooth level road 
but is consistent with temporary difficulties (p. 60). “It 
does not preclude the occurrence of strange, abrupt un- 
foreseen events in the history of the Universe, but' only 
of such events as must finally and for ever put to confu- 
sion the intelligent beings who regard them.” God does 
not give us rationality in order so to thwart it. 
that the Law of Continuity interferes It does not 
witn Goa s Governing is erroneous; though the law P rec,ude a ii 
certainly forbids some theories of His miraculous and tuuni^such 
perhaps other interventions. Such supposed Divine “veVSS 
interferences as would subvert natural order, the Law law - 
of Continuity no doubt resists : and the law itself is such as will 
work on till it works itself out, even, (as some say), till the Uni- 
verse itself comes to an end;— (though, we suppose, even then the 
law would remain a principle condition of all possible rationality ^ 
Our authors, however, are not of those who admit that the 
whole Universe of things will come thus to an end (p. 64). It 
may be true of the transformable energies of the visible Universe, 
or even of matter itself; but it seems “ monstrous 
to suppose ’’(3rd edit.) that universal nothingness 
will ever be arrived at by the Law of Continuity Eterna1, 
working itself out. “ The principle of Continuity upon which 
all such arguments are based, demanding a continuance of the 
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