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Show CONCLUDING REMARKS. [ch. xxvr. before our times, and if we still find no decided evidence of a commencement, yet the arguments from analogy in support of the probability of a beginning remain unshaken ; and if the past duration of the earth be finite, then the aggregate of geo· logical epochs, however numerous, must constitute a mere moment of the past, a mere infinitessimal portion of eternity. It has been argued, that as the different states of the earth's surface, and the different species by which it has been inhabited, have had each their origin, and many of them theit· termination, so the entire series may have commenced at a certain period. It has also been urged, that as we admit the creation of man to have occurred at a comparatively modern epochas we concede the astonishing fact of the first introduction of a moral and intellectual being, so also we may conceive the fit·st creation of the planet itself. We are far from denying the weight of this reasoning from analogy; but although it may strengthen our conviction, that the present system of change has not gone on from eternity, it cannot warrant us in presuming that we shall be permitted to behold the signs of the earth's origin, or the evidences of the first introduction into it of organic beings. In vain do we aspire to assign limits to the works of creation in space, whether we examine the starry heavens, or that world of minute animalcules which is revealed to us by the microscope. \V e are prepared, therefore, to find that in time also, the confines of the universe lie beyond the reach of mortal ken. But in whatever direction we pursue our researches, whether in time or space, we discover everywhere the clear proofs of a Creative Intelligence, and of His foresight, wisdom, and power. As geologists, we learn that it is not only the present condition of the (}'lobe that has been suited to the accommodation 0 of myriads of living creatures, but that many formet· states also have been equally adapted to the organization and habits of prior races of beings. The disposition of the seas, conti· nents, and islands, and the climates have varied ; so it appears that the species have been changed, and yet they have all Ch. XXVI.] CONCLUDING REMARKS. 385 been so mode~led, on typ~s analogous to those of existing plants and ammals, as to Indicate throughout a perfect harmony of design and unity of purpose. To assume that the evidence of the beginning or end of so vast a scheme lies within the reach of our philosophical inquiries, or even of our speculations, appears to us inconsistent with a just estimate of the relations which subsist between the finite powers of man and the attl'ibutes of an Infinite and Eternal Deing. Vor .. liT. 20 |