Danger in the Dark - ZseZse

DANGER IN nm DARK. 23
hardly do better, than take nature for our bible, and
reason for our guide."
" We are not, I admit, permitted to read the scrip-
tures for ourselves; yet the divine teachings thereof,
are graciously imparted to us by the clergy."
" I must think you will find yourself at a loss to
tell why the book of God should be withheld from the
people by the priesthood."
"The only reason assigned, is, our incompetency,
without priestly aid, to rightly interpret, and properly
understand the word of God."
"That may be reason enough, but to my mind, it'
has never been very satisfactory. •They would also
have us believe that nature too, is a sealed book, that
priests only can open."
"Is it not so 1"
"Do we not everywhere find precious lessons of
instruction in the great volume of nature 1 Does not
the study of creation fertilize thought, and vivify the
soul ~ Look abroad upon the illimitable universe,
and say whether it does not display the glory of God,
and reveal to the heart much of truth and duty ! We
see the almighty power of Deity, in the immensity of
his works ; his infinite wisdom, in their vast variety,
beauty, order and harmony! And his unspeakable
goodness, we behold in the adaptation of everything
to beneficent purposes! Yes, the adorable attributes
of the Creator are engraven on the works of his
hands; they are written upon the skies-on the sun,
moon, and stars! And we may read profitable les-