233 
for a beginning we prove the fact of ultimate causation. This 
being so, I am at liberty to assert that progress by law implies 
a lawgiver ; and thus there is let in the whole doctrine of final 
causes which has been so abundantly stated and illustrated, but 
which is conspicuously absent from the propositions of the 
evolutionists. 
7. I do not seek to meddle with life-force or any of its pro- 
blems, but confine my argument to the physical phenomena of 
the strata. I shall endeavour to show a change of state in a 
given direction, not from necessity springing from any attribute 
of matter, but from the guidance of law ; as Hooker says, 
“ Those things which Nature is said to do are by divine art 
performed, using Nature as an instrument ; nor is there any 
such art or knowledge divine in Nature herself working, but in 
the guide of Nature's work.” * 
8. The conclusions so firmly established by geologists, that 
there is a definite succession in strata, and that throughout all 
there has been no change in the law or system, have become 
axioms of science, and have passed into common thought and 
speech. The circumstance that many of the great changes in this 
succession are merely the sum of a multitude of minute changes, 
does not affect the question, whilst the fact of change remains. 
The thin clay-bed superimposed on a layer of rock-salt is not 
derived from or through the latter ; they have no connection 
with each other, save as being the results of one system of law. 
There is no evolution in the sense in which it is said that one 
animal form has been evolved from another with the slightest 
possible variation between them. The physical work done in 
the ages is displayed in methods which we should call fitful and 
irregular, did we not believe that it is regulated by uniform law 
working from beyond our ken. 
9. I propose to glance at some general cosmical considera- 
tions, and then to review, first, some of the minerals, and next, 
some of the rocks, in order to ascertain their testimony con 
cerning the rival theories. 
GENERAL COSMICAL CONSIDERATIONS. 
10. Two processes are going on which, if continued, must 
bring the solar system to an end. First, the gradual cooling 
of the sun by the excess of heat given out over that returned ; 
““vj b y. tbe approach of the earth towards the sun. 
Although neither of these causes can operate any sensible 
change for a million of years, yet they suffice to displace the 
leoiy of endless duration. The limit of the earth's duration 
* Book i. 
T 2 
