Returning to the philology of our subject, it is to be remarked that by a metonymy, or a figure of speech where the container is put for the thing contained, and conversely, _nephesh_, _breathing frame_, is put for _neshemet ruach chayim_, which, when in motion, causeth the frame to respire. Hence _nephesh_ signifies not only _breath_ and _soul_, but also _life_, or those mutually affective, positive and negative principles in all living creatures, whose closed circuits cause motion of and in their frames. By Moses these principles, or qualities of the same thing, are apparently styled the _Ruach Elohim_, or by Timothy the Spirit of Him “who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto, whom no man hath seen, nor can see,” and which, when the word was spoken, first moved upon the face of the waters, and afterwards disengaged the light, evolved the expanse, gathered the waters together, brought forth the green vegetation, manifested the celestial universe, vitalized the breathing frames of the dry land, the firmament and the seas, and formed man in His own image and likeness. This _ruach_, or spirit, was the instrumental principle commissioned by the glorious Increate for the elaboration of the natural world, the erection of this earthly house, and its equipment with living souls of every species; and it is this same instrumentally formative power that, together with the _neshemeh_, or breath, that keeps them from perishing, or returning to the dust. “If God set his heart against man, He will withdraw to himself _ruachu veneshemetu_, that is, _His spirit and His breath_; all flesh shall “perish together, and man shall turn again to dust.” “By the _neshemet el_,” or breath of God, “frost is given.” Speaking of reptiles and beasts, David saith, “thou withdrawest _ruachem_--_their spirit_--they die; and to their dust they return. Thou sendest forth _ruheck_--thy spirit--they are created.” [Illustration: REPRESENTATIVE LIFE OF WESTERN ASIA. Illustrating the Scriptural Idea of Living Souls].