Page:The Philosophy of Creation.djvu/376

 through clear atmospheres into the souls of His children. Indeed, it is not reasonable to suppose that the development of applied science commenced until the decline from the first civilization began, and some considerable thought was being given to external and material things. The beginning of the development of the applied sciences marks the beginning of the decline of the first civilization rather than its commencement; and as the civilization declined morally, there became less knowledge of God and a falling away from the holiness and beauty of His love, and a consequent coarser taste, a decline in art, a turbulent state of society, and finally barbarism.

Now, with the world's advancement in moral living, with the institution of spiritual standards, it is natural that there should again come the refinement of taste and the restoration of science adapted to the states of the world and to uses in society.

However developed science may become, however brilliantly mechanical genius may shine, it should be kept in mind that it borrows its light from the moral and spiritual sphere of the world, and that the true development of man is in the increase of the wisdom of life and the acquisition of such a kind of love as man's Creator has, upon which all true progress must rest.