20 STUDY OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



feels strongly what all ought to feel who know that at 

 every moment of our lives the same care is exercised 

 upon us. But the care in the one case is for the general 

 good, the interest of which often calls for individual 

 suffering ; in the other, the welfare of the individual 

 seems the special object of providential forethought. 

 The latter brings God as it were personally before us. 

 He is no longer merely the Creator exercising oversight 

 over a vast dominion, but He is our Preserver, protect- 

 ing us in our going forth and coming in. Similar, 

 though weaker, are the feelings called forth by a closer 

 insight into Nature, and a more intimate acquaintance 

 with her works. When we begin the study, our con- 

 ception of the Author of Nature may be diffuse a 

 vague idea as of some illimitable Power, in ceaseless 

 action ; but the more we pursue this delightful study, 

 the more we recognise, if we work in a proper spirit, 

 proofs of the personality of God. Though now we can 

 know Him but in part, and only see Him reflected in 

 his works as it were " through a glass darkly," we look 

 forward to a time when we shall behold Him " face to 

 face," and shall know Him, "even as we ourselves 

 are known." 



