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Turn Minds From the Artificial to the Natural, April 13
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and
the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man, that thou art
mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
Psalm 8:3, 4
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God encourages us to contemplate His works in the natural world. He
desires that we shall turn our minds from the study of the artificial to the
natural. We shall understand this better as we lift up our eyes to the hills
of God, and contemplate the works which His own hands have created.
His hand has molded the hills, and balanced them in their position, that
they shall not be moved except at His command. The wind, the sun, the
rain, the snow, and the ice are all ministers to do His will.
By the Christian, God’s love and benevolence can be seen in every gift
from His hands. The beauties of nature are a theme for contemplation.
In studying the natural loveliness surrounding us, the mind is carried up
through nature to the Author of all that is lovely. All the works of God
are speaking to our senses, magnifying His power, exalting His wisdom.
Every created thing has in it charms which interest the child of God, and
mold his taste to regard these precious evidences of God’s love above the
work of human skill.
In words of glowing fervor, the prophet magnifies God in His created
works: “When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon
and the stars which thou hast ordained: what is man, that thou art mindful
of him?
The world, filled with sport and pleasure-loving, is always thirsting
for some new interest. And how little time and thought are given to the
Creator of the heavens and the earth. God calls upon His creatures to turn
their attention from the confusion and perplexity around them, and admire
His handiwork. The heavenly bodies are worthy of contemplation. God
has made them for the benefit of man, and as we study His works, angels
of God will be by our side to enlighten our minds
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33
The Youth’s Instructor, March 24, 1898
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34
Ellen G. White
Manuscript 96, 1899
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