AS RELATED TO RELIGION. 153 



keeping of no created being. The relations of that 

 portion of science called Natural History to the 

 Bible, may appear to some not of a marked and 

 direct character, but only incidental. But even 

 these incidental relations are of the highest value, 

 by throwing light upon obscure portions of the 

 inspired record, leading to more profound study and 

 more liberal views in its interpretation. That 

 religion which is worthy the name, is not secured by 

 simply proving the existence of a God, who might 

 have originated the universe, set it in motion once 

 for all, like a vast machine, and then withdrawn 

 himself forever from its government and special 

 care. It is in the revelation of character as con- 

 tinually guiding and caring for His creatures, that 

 the foundation is laid for rational religion, that 

 shall manifest itself in trust and action. This 

 character is certainly revealed in the creation, and 

 " may be understood by the things that are made." 

 And in all these works, with, the manifestation of 

 intelligence is joined benevolence, so that like bina- 

 ry suns they move on together. The special care 

 manifested through all the geologic ages in fitting 



