34 MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN. 
But are they hid? Do they sparkle and blush unseen? 
There is ever an eye upon them that delights in their 
beauty —for, in the dark, unfathomed caves of ocean, or 
in the loneliness of the desert, each gem is as perfect in its 
conformation, each plant as complete in all the marvelous 
details of its growth, as when blooming on the cultivated 
parterre or glittering in the halls of fashion. God’s work- 
manship is perfect in all its parts, and therein He teaches 
man a most important lesson. 
It is said of the old architects, in planning their cathe- 
drals, that they were as conscientious in devising and 
carrying out the details of their buildings, in the parts that 
were hidden from observation, as in the most prominent 
features of their work. And the reason assigned was, that 
the temple was built for the honor of God, and that no 
portion was hid from the All-seeing eye. The most trivial 
imperfection of the carving, the least want of honesty in 
the genuineness of the material, were open to the inspection 
of Him ‘* with whom the darkness and light are both 
alike.’’ And so, they were moved to build for the pleasure 
of God; and believed that the Great Architect would look 
with complacency upon their work. 
Let me remark in conclusion — while I have ventured 
to argue that this beautiful world was not primarily or 
exclusively designed for man; yet, if we accept the 
teachings of the Word of Inspiration, we shall find through- 
out its every page, that God is a loving father, and that 
no created being is left without watchful care and 
bounteous provision. I believe, not only in an Almighty 
Creator, but in a special superintending providence ; that 
the flower blooms where God has pianted it; ‘* God giveth 
it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own 
body ;’’ that the fruit ripens when and where He chooses; 
that there is no waste, and no lack on the earth’s broad 
surface; nor can time or space exhaust the never-failing 
supply. In the truthful and poetic language of the one 
hundred and fourth Psalm: ‘‘ He sendeth the springs 
