28 Natural Theology. 



the more it agrees with what we have found out by 

 observation and experience of the structure and 

 its provisions, until it comes to be a grand epic 

 giving in words what the solid stone and cunning 

 ornaments of the palace both reveal. There is har- 

 mony, there is nothing to lead us to doubt ; there 

 is on the other hand a net-work of proof to convince 

 us that both book and palace are the product of 

 the same royal intellect and skill. We are satisfied 

 now that we understand the king's will ; we have the 

 law that is to guide us, the assurance of his con- 

 stant, watchful care, and of untold future blessings 

 in store for us. None but the most sordid and 

 guilty could fail to rejoice at such a result, or to 

 look upon every beauty of his home with increased 

 delight and affection, and to cherish the written 

 words as the most precious gift, not only because of 

 the blessings they promise, but because they were 

 indited by a father's heart. 



If we inquire now what knowledge of religion 

 man can reach from the study of nature alone, the 

 answer is most difficult. The trial has never been 

 made under the best possible conditions. If we are 

 to judge from what has already been done, we should 

 say that in reference to the highest truths of religion, 

 nature merely suggests probable results, simply cre- 

 ates the desire for religious knowledge without giv- 

 ing it. It prepares the moral system for its food, 

 but the demand thus created must be supplied from 

 a higher source. The ancients with minds equal, 

 to say the least, to ours, were under the dominion 



