NATURAL THEOLOGY. 201 



But after all no reference to ancient opinions, nor 

 any mere abstract propositions, can satisfy that craving 

 of the mind for greater certainty which this question 

 begets. The only safe and solid foundation of natural 

 theology is happily the simplest and easiest of attain- 

 ment ; that is, a conviction of the personality or indi- 

 viduality of the Deity, and of design in the creation. 

 These are the points (in themselves inseparably allied) 

 of highest concernment to man. What we seek for is 

 the proof of an individual being, who has designed 

 what we see in the world around us, and carried these 

 designs into effect, either by specific acts of creation 

 or by the mediate action of powers and laws directed 

 to their end. The ' natura naturans' of certain authors 

 satisfies no conception, intellectual or moral. The 

 phrase of Natural Law is a barren one, unless annexed 

 to the idea of a legislator ; and to bring in the word 

 Nature as fulfilling this idea is but a recoil of language 

 upon itself. In reasoning on the personal unity of 

 God, as attested and represented by the unity of crea- 

 tion, we gain, it is true, no comprehension of his nature 

 or mode of existence. The absolute unconditioned and 

 other such phrases are words and not meanings, and 

 bring at most only negative conclusions to the mind. 

 But the individuality of God and I think this a better 

 term than personality can be comprehended as a sub- 

 ject of thought. And when this conviction is gained 

 through the evidences of design, as contrasted with 

 chance for this is the real point in question it fur- 

 nishes the nearest approach which simple reason can 

 make to this great mystery of the universe. 



