g--so also we may
conceive the first creation of the planet itself.

I am 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. We
aspire in vain 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. We 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
globe which has been suited to the accommodation of myriads of living
creatures, but that many former states also have been adapted to the
organization and habits of prior races of beings. The disposition of the
seas, continents, and islands, and the climates, have varied; the
species likewise have been changed; and yet they have all been so
modelled, on types analogous to those of existing plants and animals, 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 be inconsistent with a just estimate of
the relations which subsist between the finite powers of man and the
attributes of an Infinite and Eternal Being.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] Essays on the Philosophy of the Hindoos.

[2] Institutes of Hindoo Law, or the Ordinances of Menu, from the
Sanscrit, translated by Sir William Jones, 1796.

[3] Menu, Inst. c. i. 66, and 67.

[4] Herodot. Euterpe, 12.

[5] A Persian MS. copy of the historian Ferishta, in the library
of the East India Company, relating to the rise and progress of
the Mahomedan empire in India, was procured by Colonel Briggs from
the library of Tippoo Sultan in 1799; which has been referred to
at some length by Dr. Buckland. (Geol. Trans. 2d Series, vol. ii.
part iii. p. 389.)