our comprehension as the purposes of man surpass the
understanding of the dog. Believing, however, though as a simple
act of trust, that the end will crown the work, we may rise
superior to the question which has here concerned us, and
exclaim, in the supreme language of faith, "Though He slay me,
yet will I trust in Him!"

July, 1875.



II. "THE TO-MORROW OF DEATH."

Few of those who find pleasure in frequenting bookstores can have
failed to come across one or more of the profusely illustrated
volumes in which M. Louis Figuier has sought to render dry
science entertaining to the multitude. And of those who may have
casually turned over their pages, there are probably none,
competent to form an opinion, who have not speedily perceived
that these pretentious books belong to the class of pests and
unmitigated nuisances in literature. Antiquated views, utter lack
of comprehension of the subjects treated, and shameless
unscrupulousness as to accuracy of statement, are faults but ill
atoned for by sensational pictures of the "dragons of the prime
that tare each other in their slime," or of the Newton-like brow
and silken curls of that primitive man in contrast with whom the
said dragons have been likened to "mellow music."

Nevertheless, the sort of scientific reputation which these
discreditable performances have gained for M. Figuier among an