XIII. 



THEIIE are certain narrow-minded persons who raise 

 objections to men of science prying into the secrets 

 of nature, and profanely, as they think, attempting" 

 to explain the design and purpose of the great 

 Creator. 



But to the intelligent and right thinking man, no 

 employment could be found more elevating or en- 

 nobling than this ; and whether he be a fellow- 

 worker himself, or merely an approving observer of 

 the labours of others, still he feels, and conscientiously 

 believes in the words of Milton, that 



" The desire which tends to know 

 The works of God, thereby to glorify 

 The great Workmaster, leads to no excess 

 That merits blame, but rather merits praise 

 The more it seems excess." 



When such a one contemplates the atmosphere, for 

 instance, with its 'wonderful phenomena of clouds, 

 rain, and sunshine, that alternately shield, moisten, 

 and warm the face of the earth, he feels awed by 

 the grandeur of the exquisite system of machinery 



