Page:The Parable of Creation.djvu/94

90, we can take up the rules of outward etiquette, and make them beneficent methods of smoothing the rugged paths of others' lives. If, however, we love from our hearts to live and walk through life for the sake of strewing sunshine and flowers and deeds of use o'er all the paths which others tread, then the inward ethics of true heavenly etiquette intuitively come forth in every moment of our lives. So in matters which concern our spiritual walk, where neither love nor faith shine on our wandering way to guide our devious steps, the stars of the mere knowledge of what is true and good may afford some glimmering light to help us on. Thus, as in the absence of sun and moon, night may still have its stars, comparatively dim though their light may be, so, though our love may, for the time, be cold, and our faith may halt, the bare knowledge of what is true and good will serve a purpose in our lives, until our faith and love assert themselves once more.

When we read the Scripture by these symbols, so far as they therein occur, it confirms the truth of their symbolism, as well as throws light upon its otherwise darkened pages. It is said for example in the Psalm: "Praise ye the Lord, sun and moon; praise him all ye stars of light." : Can any one believe that this is designed as a literal command to sun, moon and stars to enter upon intelligent praises