402 SYSTEM OF INSECTS. 
him for his scrutiny a book of emblems or symbols, in 
which one thing, either by its form or qualities, or both, 
might represent another. Ifhe was informed by his Crea- 
tor that the works of creation constituted such a book, by 
the right interpretation of which he might arrive at spi- 
ritual verities as well as natural knowledge, curiosity 
and the desire of information concerning these high and 
important subjects would stimulate him to the study 
of the mystic volume placed before him; in the pro- 
gress of which he would doubtless be assisted by that 
Divine guidance, which even now is with those who 
honestly seek the truth. Both divines and philosophers 
have embraced this opinion, which is built upon the 
word of Gop itself*. 
This last purpose of the Creator was the root of the 
analogies, connecting different objects with each other 
that have no real affinity, observable in the works of 
creation: so that from the bottom to the top of the scale 
of being, there is many a series of analogous forms, as 
well as of concatenated ones; and the intire system of 
nature is representative, as well as operative: it is a kind 
of Janus bifrons, which requires to be studied in two as- 
pects looking different ways. ‘To what degree of know- 
ledge the primeval races of men attained after the fall, 
by the contemplation and study of this book of nature, 
we are no where informed; but we learn from the highest 
* The most natural and consistent interpretation of 1 Cor. xiii. 
12, Baswowev yao wots 00 coomres ev aiviypurti, is, that ‘ we see 
now as it were in a muror the glory of God reflected enigmatically 
by the things that he has made.” Comp. Rom. i. 20—. Our Sa- 
viour (Luke x. 19.) calls serpents and scorpions the power of the 
enemy ; which can only mean that they are figures or symbols of the 
enemy. 
