Book of Nature
31
Added Lessons Since the Fall—Although the earth was blighted
with the curse, nature was still to be man’s lesson book. It could not
now represent goodness only; for evil was everywhere present, marring
earth and sea and air with its defiling touch. Where once was written
only the character of God, the knowledge of good, was now written
also the character of Satan, the knowledge of evil. From nature, which
now revealed the knowledge of good and evil, man was continually to
receive warning as to the results of sin
Nature Illustrates Bible Lessons—Many illustrations from na-
ture are used by the Bible writers; and as we observe the things of
the natural world, we shall be enabled, under the guiding of the Holy
Spirit, more fully to understand the lessons of God’s Word
In the natural world God has placed in the hands of the children of
men the key to unlock the treasure house of His Word. The unseen is
illustrated by the seen; divine wisdom, eternal truth, infinite grace, are
understood by the things that God has made
Children should be encouraged to search out in nature the objects
that illustrate Bible teachings, and to trace in the Bible the similitudes
drawn from nature. They should search out, both in nature and in
Holy Writ, every object representing Christ, and those also that He
employed in illustrating truth. Thus may they learn to see Him in tree
[47]
and vine, in lily and rose, in sun and star. They may learn to hear His
voice in the song of birds, in the sighing of the trees, in the rolling
thunder, and in the music of the sea. And every object in nature will
repeat to them His precious lessons.
To those who thus acquaint themselves with Christ, the earth will
nevermore be a lonely and desolate place. It will be their Father’s
house, filled with the presence of Him who once dwelt among men
The Bible Interprets Nature’s Mysteries—The child, as he
comes in contact with nature, will see cause for perplexity. He cannot
but recognize the working of antagonistic forces. It is here that nature
needs an interpreter. Looking upon the evil manifest even in the natural
world, all have the same sorrowful lesson to learn—“An enemy hath
done this.”
Matthew 13:28
.
5
Education, 26
.
6
Education, 120
.
7
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 187
.
8
Education, 120
.