NATURAL THEOLOGY. 11 



by any human being. I could not, therefore, expect 

 to behold the Author of the universe, when I never 

 beheld the author of any other production. 



T. This was the thought of Socrates. Does it 

 lessen the proof of an Infinite Intelligence, that we do 

 not understand every part of the universe, and that 

 many events are mysterious ? 



A. Far from it. There are many productions of 

 human skill, which the inventors only can explain. 

 The wisest conduct of the parent often appears mys- 

 terious to the child. We cannot wonder, therefore, 

 if the ways of Infinite Wisdom are frequently inscru- 

 table. 



T. Can you mention any religious advantage, 

 which young persons particularly may be expected to 

 derive from this study ? 



A. Every religious impression is most important 

 in early life. Our admiration of outward objects 

 should be directed into a devout channel at that pe- 

 riod, when they strike our senses the most powerfully. 

 Happy, if we are not then deficient in any know- 

 ledge which may enable us to perceive in every thing 

 around us, the proofs of divine wisdom and benefi- 

 cence, and lead us to view the beauties of nature with 

 perpetual reference to their Author. 



T. Has this study any recommendation as a use- 

 ful exercise to the mind ? 



A. The study of uses and designs in nature, must 

 conduce to a habit of careful observation and just rea- 

 soning, — and thereby promote one of the most impor- 

 tant objects of education, in that way in which the 



