Page:The aquarium - an unveiling of the wonders of the deep sea.djvu/76

Rh all-wise is a revealed truth; and whether the organization before us seem excellent or imperfect, it matters not;—we know it is perfect and good, being the work of an all-wise God."

To this last sentiment I cordially subscribe; but I am not sure whether the former assertions are not a little too sweeping; or perhaps somewhat too incautiously expressed. It is consummate folly and vanity, indeed, to assume that we have accounted for all facts in nature, and for the reasons of them; but not, (as I think) reverently and humbly to seek after the reasons of those phenomena which at present are recondite. Doubtless, in the present limited and lapsed condition of our faculties, at least, there will ever remain profundities in the physical creation, unfathomable by any sounding-line we can cast into them; but the conviction of this truth needs not prevent our penetrating as deep as we may, and recording those observations, which if carefully made will not fail to reward us with increased knowledge of His works and ways, "Whose way is in the sea, and his path in the deep waters, and whose footsteps are not known." There is always something to learn in studying the works of God, as there must always remain an infinite unknown.

And is the ascription of praise to God for what we dimly discover of excellence in His handiwork,—vanity? Surely not; for the Holy Scriptures direct us to this work; Jehovah himself vouchsafing to declare, "He that offereth praise glorifieth Me;" and