Ghazzali's Alchemy of Happiness. 



69 



It is impossible for the thing formed to understand the 

 knowledge of him that formed it. And how is it possible, 

 that he who is of yesterday, should comprehend the secrets 

 of the operations of the Ancient of days ? 



The science of the structure of the body is called ana- 

 tomy : it is a great science, but most men are heedless of 

 it. If any study it, it is only for the purpose of acquiring skill 

 in medicine, and not for the sake of becoming acquainted 

 with the perfection of the power of God. But whoever 

 will occupy himself with anatomy, and therein contemplate 

 the wonders of the works of God, will reap three advan- 

 tages. The first advantage will be, that in learning the 

 composition of the thing made, and thereby gaining a com- 

 prehensive and condensed view of all other things like it he 

 will see that it is impossible to discover imperfection or 

 incompetence in the being who has created him in such 

 perfection. The Creator himself will be acknowledged to 

 be almighty and perfect. The second advantage will be, 

 that he will see that it is impossible that a being who has 

 created an organization so intelligent, capable of compre- 

 hension, endowed with beauty, and useful, should be other- 

 wise than perfect in knowledge himself. And lastly, we 

 shall understand the mercy, favor and perfect compassion 

 of God towards us. Nothing that is either useful or orna- 

 mental has been omitted in the framing of our bodies, 

 whether it be such things as are the sources of life, like the 

 spirit and the head ; or such as sustain life, as the hand, the 

 foot, the mouth and the teeth : or such as are a means of 

 ornament, as the beard, elegance of form, black hair and 

 the lips. It is to be observed that similar organs have 

 been provided not only for man, but for all creatures, so 

 that nothing is wanting to initiate and sustain life in the 

 mouse, the wasp, the snake and the ant. God has done 

 all things perfectly, and may his name be glorified ! 



The investigator of truth this fact well knows, 

 That he himself is endowed with every perfection. 



