ADMIRATION OF THE DEITY. 0\) 



the motion of the stars^ without being convinced that the 

 world was not formed by chance, — that God alone is able 

 to be the creator and director of so many wonders ? '' 



This heathen philosopher, and his equally unenlightened 

 countryman, the eminent natural historian Pliny, delighted 

 to acknowledge in their works the shadowy forms of Pagan 

 superstition, which they supposed to control, not only the 

 passing events of life, but also the varied wonders of crea- 

 tion. They brought to bear upon the subject, which 

 engrossed their profoundest contemplations, all the feeble 

 light which they possessed. They regarded, as through a 

 darkened glass, the dispensations of all-ruling Providence, 

 and faintly looked up to the Parent of gods and men ; and 

 shall we, who walk in the clear light of the gospel dispensa- 

 tion, refuse to acknowledge Him, who framed this well- 

 ordered world, — who spread the firmament, as a tent to 

 dwell in, — and who gives to his own glorious heaven all its 

 unutterable joys and splendours, which no mortal eye could 

 steadily behold ? Shall we be ashamed to avow, that once, 

 travelling in human form. He entered this magnificent 

 museum, and sojourned among the wonders which His hand 

 had made, to reveal at once what God is, and what man 

 ought to be ? Heathens might discover an eternal power. 



