Page:Heaven Revealed.djvu/49

 It is known to science that all animals commence their existence from eggs which are quite uniform in their shape and structure. There is, therefore, a stage in man's existence, when, to human eyes, he does not differ essentially from the rudimental form of a fish, a frog, or a viper. But as life unfolds from this primary form, the animal undergoes various changes, gradually ascending from lower and simpler to higher and more complex forms, or passing from a less to a more perfect state. A familiar illustration of this universal law, is seen in the changes which insects undergo before reaching the perfected form of butterflies. First, the egg; then succeeds the larva or worm, which is a higher form of life than the egg; next, the caterpillar; then the pupa or chrysalis; lastly, the creature dies—on the outside, at least—and out of that dead covering springs a beautiful butterfly, the perfected form of this insect life. And similar is the case with every other form of life whether belonging to the animal or the vegetable kingdom. From a simple, rudimental and comparatively imperfect form, it goes on steadily unfolding, and gradually assuming one that is higher and more perfect, until it reaches the end of its creation.

And the case is similar with man regarded merely as an inhabitant of the natural world, and as standing at the head of the animal kingdom. Scientists tell us that, previous to birth, he undergoes a variety of changes, and at different stages in his development simulates the forms of various lower orders of animals. However this may be, we know that at the time of birth he is but feebly and imperfectly developed. In his