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Christian Education
heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things therein, ... and
thou preservest them all.” [
Nehemiah 9:6
.] As regards this world,
God’s work of creation is completed. For “the works were finished
from the foundation of the world.” [
Hebrews 4:3
.] But his energy is
still exerted in upholding the objects of his creation. It is not because
the mechanism that has once been set in motion continues to act by its
own inherent energy, that the pulse beats, and breath follows breath;
but every breath, every pulsation of the heart is an evidence of the
all-pervading care of Him in whom “we live, and move, and have
our being.” [
Acts 17:28
.] It is not because of inherent power that year
by year the earth produces her bounties, and continues her motion
around the sun. The hand of God guides the planets, and keeps them in
position in their orderly march through the heavens. He “bringeth out
their host by number; he calleth them all by names by the greatness
of his might, for that he is strong in power; not one faileth.” [
Isaiah
40:26
.] It is through his power that vegetation flourishes, that the leaves
appear, and the flowers bloom. He “maketh grass to grow upon the
mountains,” and by him the valleys are made fruitful. All the beasts
of the field seek their meat from God, [
Psalm 147:8
;
104:20, 21
.]
and every living creature, from the smallest insect up to man, is daily
dependent upon his providential care. In the beautiful words of the
psalmist, “These wait all upon thee.... That thou givest them they
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gather; thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.” [
Psalm
104:27, 28
.] His word controls the elements, he covers the heavens
with clouds, and prepares rain for the earth. “He giveth snow like
wool; he scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” “When he uttereth his
voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and he causeth the
vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; he maketh lightnings with
rain, and bringeth forth the wind out of his treasures.” [
Psalm 147:16
;
Jeremiah 10:13
.]
God is the foundation of everything. All true science is in harmony
with his works; all true education leads to obedience to his government.
Science opens new wonders to our view; she soars high, and explores
new depths; but she brings nothing from her research that conflicts
with divine revelation. Ignorance may seek to support false views of
God by appeals to science; but the book of nature and the written word
shed light upon each other. We are thus led to adore the Creator, and
to have an intelligent trust in his word.