6. _Time._--Man alone can invent artificial methods of measuring time; in an uncivilized condition he avails himself of the sun and moon, of the changes of day and night, of the tides, of the seasons, using them as natural chronometers. The higher brutes evidently possess some knowledge of time, as evidenced by the migration of birds, the relief of each other, as in the case of pigeons, at stated intervals on the nest, and, perhaps we may add, the storing up of food for future consumption. On this latter point, however, we will not insist, for most probably it is the result of an entirely instinctive impulse; we have known a caged squirrel make a hoard. The dog, says M. Ebzéar Blaze,[7] "reasons, calculates, knows how to count the days of the week, and even those of the year. Thus, for example, a dog belonging to M. Roger went every Saturday, at two o'clock precisely, from Locoyarne to Hennebon, (a distance of three kilomètres;) it set off in a straight line to the butcher's, because that was their day for killing, and he was certain of having a good regale upon tripe. He was capable, then, of counting the days, since he never left home except on the Saturday. At the house of the same M. Roger, family prayer was kept up every evening, and the dog listened to the service tranquilly, but, as may be supposed, impatiently, for as soon as the last _paternoster_ was commenced, he rose up and placed himself near the door, in order to make his exit immediately on its being opened." [7] Histoire du Chien. We do not pretend to say that all animals calculate time, or that any have the power of calculation which man has; and as for any abstract idea respecting time or eternity, it is out of the question. Hence they neither look back upon time, nor forward into the future. Their measure of knowledge is wisely allotted to them; it is in due accordance with their animal wants, and final destiny; but man, the heir of immortality, destined to exist throughout eternity, is so mentally gifted as to be able to think and reflect upon the past, the present, and the future. Were he not immortal, he would never, perhaps, have been endowed by his Maker with the idea of a future life. However this may be, the Holy Scriptures assure him of a life to come, and for which he must prepare himself only by one way. The hopes of the idolater are false. Oh, then, how desirable it is that a knowledge of the true way of salvation should be spread throughout the world; that error and superstition should be banished; and that the light of the gospel should cast its heavenly radiance over the benighted regions of the earth!