occurs as an emblem of immortality." Swammerdam, speaking of the
metamorphosis of insects, uses these strong words: "This process is
formed in so remarkable a manner in butterflies, that we see therein the
resurrection painted before our eyes, and exemplified so as to be
examined by our hands." "There is no one," says Paley, "who does not
possess some particular train of thought, to which the mind naturally
directs itself, when left entirely to its own operations. It is certain
too, that the choice of this train of thinking may be directed to
different ends, and may appear to be more or less judiciously fixed, but
in a _moral view_, if one train of thinking be more desirable than
another, it is that which regards phenomena of nature with a constant
reference to a supreme intelligent Author. The works of nature want only
to be contemplated. In every portion of them which we can decry, we find
attention bestowed upon the minuter objects. Every organized natural
body, in the provisions which it contains for its sustentation and
propagation, testifies a care, on the part of the Creator, expressly
directed to these purposes. We are on all sides surrounded by bodies
wonderfully curious, and no less wonderfully diversified." Trifling,
therefore, and, perhaps, contemptible, as to the unthinking may seem the
study of a butterfly, yet, when we consider the art and mechanism
displayed in so minute a structure, the fluids circulating in vessels so
small as almost to escape the sight, the beauty of the wings and
covering, and the manner in which each part is adapted for its peculiar
functions, we cannot but be struck with wonder and admiration, and must
feel convinced that the maker of all has bestowed equal skill in every
class of animated beings; and also allow with Paley, that "the
production of beauty was as much in the Creator's mind in painting a
butterfly, as in giving symmetry to the human form."

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