196 Original Articles. [April, 



When we reflect for a moment upon the profoundly religious les- 

 sons conveyed to man's mind by a contemplation of nature in its 

 modern aspects, we are astonished to find that there should be men 

 assuming to be the leaders of public opinion in any civilized country, 

 who do not perceive that the modern Temple of Science is, or should 

 be, as divine an institution (for it is founded by the All-wise himself) 

 as the most sacred temple that ever was raised by the hand of man in 

 ancient or modern times. We can only account for such blindness on 

 the assumption that these persons must have constantly burrowed in 

 their own limited plots, and that their eyes having been thus rendered 

 unnecessary, a kind nature has atrophied the organs, and so rendered 

 their possessors less liable to the danger or inconvenience which might 

 arise from any sudden influx of light. 



For what purpose has man been taught the use of the telescope, if 

 he is to regard the worlds around with unreasoning amazement ? or why 

 has he been entrusted with microscopic vision, if there are no lessons 

 of wisdom to be learned in the invisible world ? Wherefore that rest- 

 less curiosity which prompts him to continue his inquiries as to his own 

 nature and his relations with the lower animals even though the re- 

 sult of his investigations be repulsive to his human feelings, if not to 

 teach him that if he would be eternally happy he must rely upon 

 something beyond his flesh, or the material possessions secured for 

 him by his natural superiority. 



The student of nature may prosecute his observations in whatever 

 sphere he pleases, in the fullest confidence that his employment 

 is a sacred one. Whilst the priestly charlatan perpetuates false 

 mysteries, appealing to bleeding saints and sweating statues, in 

 order to check the diffusion of useful knowledge that he may with 

 greater impunity assume the authority of the Almighty, the student 

 of Science seeks to solve real mysteries that he may add to the 

 store of human knowledge ; he endeavours to comprehend and disin- 

 terestedly expound the laws of nature, and wield its forces for the 

 present and future welfare of man. The reverent study of Science 

 does not, and probably never will, initiate man into all the secrets 

 of the Almighty, for they appear far too high for human comprehen- 

 sion ; but it assists him in maintaining his religious conceptions on a 

 level with his advancing knowledge in other respects, and prevents 

 him from falling a victim to that self-sufficiency which results from 

 any kind of success. 



For, how expansive and ennobling are the thoughts inspired into 

 the human soul, when, through the outer sense, it contemplates the 

 universe as it appears to-day ! What fresh and happy feelings such 

 an occupation generates, and what a peaceful and contented frame of 

 mind it leaves ! And why ? Because it, for the time, enables the 

 spectator to forget his works and ways, in contemplating those of the 

 Almighty ; excluding from his mind all thoughts of worldly care ; all 

 the anxieties of mortal life and mortal strife. 



It is indeed difficult to convey to those who have not experienced 

 them, an adequate idea of such emotions : no creed, no formula could 

 present them to the mind. Let the reader go forth on some clear 



