altered conditions. In proving, then, the stability of the system, we have only to shew, as far as the argument of design is concerned, that the conditions of life are permanent during the epoch of life for which the system is adjusted. Man was called into existence by God when this abode was fully prepared for his comfort; and the fabric is kept up till his destiny on earth is fulfilled.
It may be said, that while this argument may apply to orbs on which life exists, it is inapplicable to systems like Saturn's rings, where we may suppose life to be impossible. The question of stability is to be dealt with per se, and if we find that the system of the rings is not stable, must we not abandon it as a proof of Divine wisdom? Formerly we could point to these arches, nicely poised in space, as the most wonderful proof of mechanical adjustment; but, now that we see them going through the process of decay, we can no longer avail ourselves of this argument. The answer is, that we have still proof of the most wonderful provisions for permanence, but permanence for only one phase of a mighty evolution. The only difference is, that in former views of the stability of the system, we considered the mechanism as a fixed, rigid, isolated thing, whereas we are now forced to regard every part of the universe as in a state of change or progress. Formerly the heavens were regarded as a frozen river; but the light of science has shewn that there is an onward movement, as in the glacier, though
