v. A TUFT OF MOSS. 85 



exactly twice the size of the ark. We cannot interpret 

 the meaning of the law in the case of plants, but we 

 can understand, in the case of the altar, that the 

 numerical facts were intended to foreshadow, first, that 

 every priestly ministration is involved in or connected 

 with the death of Christ, as every vessel of the taber- 

 nacle was smaller than, and could be included in, the 

 sacrificial altar ; and secondly, that intercourse with 

 God, of which the ark is the symbol and the medium, 

 results from the fact of sacrifice, and is closely con- 

 nected with it, as the size of the ark was dependent 

 upon the size of the altar. From all these considera- 

 tions, and many more of a similar nature that might 

 be urged, the conclusion is irresistible that nature and 

 revelation have one Author; and we are impressively 

 taught that the law of the Lord, whether expressed in 

 His Word or in His works, is perfect. 



2. Another lesson we learn from this subject is 

 the intimate correspondence between the Mind that 

 planned the universe and the mind that is in ourselves. 

 The principles upon which God acts in regard to the 

 numerical relations in all parts of His works are prin- 

 ciples thoroughly intelligible to man himself; and the 

 fact that human sagacity has actually discovered and 

 scientifically demonstrated these laws of numerical 

 proportions is a clear indication that there is the 

 closest link between man's reason and the Supreme 

 Intelligence by which all things have been ordered. 

 No other creature possesses this capacity. Animals 

 show many points of resemblance to man in regard to 



