288 
GEOLOGY IN RURAL WELFARE 
respective races, and are fully illustrated in the development of the 
present forms of life from the ancient ones. These great changes 
in form, stature and intelligence make some of the useful stories 
in the earth's history as they are revealed by the record that is 
written in the rocks. 
Comprehensive contemplation of the immensely broad field in 
the science of geology and the work of solving the intensely deep 
problems that arise in it, develop superior mental powers; power 
to think clearly, to reason well, to form accurate judgments, to 
develop progressive ideas, and to discover universal truths. 
A constant study of nature in the field of earth science directs 
a continuous current of fresh, unbiased thought toward the prob¬ 
lems and experiences met daily in the world of human relation¬ 
ships, and produces more and more of the harmony of nature 
between man and his fellows. By continual observation and 
appreciation of the boundless perfection in this field one is lead 
toward refinement in manners, tastes and feelings. The love of 
the great, the grand, the beautiful and the sublime in the world of 
earth science, engendered in this way, gives rise to strength of 
courage, to fervency and zeal, and to the spirit of enthusiasm. 
By the study of earth history man is encouraged in self im¬ 
provement and in the realization of his responsibility to the world 
about him; he is inspired to higher ideals in his relations with his 
fellow man and in the field of intellectual achievement; he is 
stimulated to a more intelligent understanding of the powerful 
forces in nature, and of their influences on the origin and on the 
destination of the human family. 
Universal laws of nature are not material things though they 
control and govern that which is material. Being brought in 
this subject into close relation with the work of every large num¬ 
ber of natural laws, dealing with the entire universe, throughout 
long ages of time, one develops an intimacy with that which is 
beyond the material, with that which continues to endure, with 
that infinitely larger, greater and higher field above and beyond 
material things. 
