LAWS OF GOD IN NATURE. 
5 
supernatural, “ as it would be for an intelligent savage to regard a 
watch without inferring the existence of a watchmaker.” The 
reverent student of nature reasons thus“ From natural causes 
and their effects or results I infer a prime cause. Behind that 
cause I cannot go. I may believe, but I cannot comprehend the 
genesis of matter and force, nor have I yet found any one who can.” 
Let us not be misled by mere terms. Effect and cause, in the 
kingdoms of nature, are, apparently, possible of comprehension. 
Further, a supernatural cause of all natural cause and effect may be 
inferred—even if no sacred book of the east had ever existed. 
Beyond this it would seem to be impossible for mere imagination to 
proceed. But the point now urged is that even to the few persons 
who seem to be unable to look from nature up to nature’s God, 
as to all other persons, the essential portions of such an essay 
as the present may be addressed. 
So, then, mankind in general, probably every human being 
except the mindless and the depraved, is interested in the con¬ 
sideration of the Laws of God in Nature. From the common 
platform occupied by the many preachers on this subject, therefore, 
the differences, nay hatreds, which too often characterise the 
followers of all religions, may be excluded; while every man, 
woman, and child who endeavours to comprehend those laws, and 
to regulate daily existence in accordance therewith, may live a 
healthier, happier, and longer life, sleep a sounder and more 
refreshing sleep, and possess an unfailing standard of truth whereby 
to measure the political, social, moral, and much of the religious 
relations of life. Nay, more, not only will a proper comprehension 
of the Laws of God in Nature promote the welfare of one’s self, 
but, like the proper use of every kind of knowledge we may 
possess, it will promote the welfare of all within our influence. For, 
as Lord Bacon, the greatest orator and philosopher of his times, 
states, in his ‘Advancement of Learning,’—that Bacon, who, as 
Francis Baron Yerulam, Yiscount St. Alban’s, of Gorhambury, 
was perhaps the greatest genius Hertfordshire ever possessed— 
“ the greatest error of all is, mistaking the ultimate end of know¬ 
ledge ; for some men covet knowledge out of a natural curiosity 
and inquisitive temper; some to entertain the mind with variety 
and delight; some for ornament and reputation; some for victory 
and contention; many for lucre and a livelihood ; and but few for 
employing the Divine gift of reason to the use and benefit of 
mankind.” 
The terms of the title of this Address, “The Laws of God in 
Nature,” exclude any reference to spiritual laws. Nor would the 
