God in Nature
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from the face of nature. Nature is now marred and defiled by sin. But
God’s object-lessons are not obliterated; even now, rightly studied and
interpreted, she speaks of her Creator.
As divine truth is revealed in Holy Writ, so it is reflected, as from
a mirror, in the face of nature; and through his creation we become
acquainted with the Creator. And so the book of nature becomes a great
lesson book, which instructors who are wise can use, in connection
with the Scriptures, to guide lost sheep back to the fold of God. As
the works of God are studied, the Holy Spirit flashes conviction into
the mind. It is not the conviction which logical reasoning produces;
but unless the mind has become too dark to know God, the eye too
dim to see him, the ear too dull to hear his voice, a deeper meaning
is grasped, and the sublime, spiritual truths of the written word are
impressed on the heart.
The most effective way to teach the heathen who know not God,
is through his works. In this way, far more readily than by any other
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method, they can be made to realize the difference between their
idols, the works of their own hands, and the true God, the Maker of
heaven and earth. The same principle applies to the ignorant, neglected
colored race in that part of America where slavery once existed. When
these lowly members of the human family have learned to know God
through his works, a foundation will be laid for the spiritual truths of
the written word, which will elevate and purify their characters.
There is a simplicity and purity in these lessons directly from nature
that make them of the highest value to others besides the heathen. The
children and youth, all classes of students, need the lessons to be
derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul
away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and
God, For this reason the cultivation of the soil is good work for children
and youth. It brings them into direct contact with nature and nature’s
God. And that they may have this advantage in connection with our
schools there should be, as far as possible, large flower gardens and
extensive lands for cultivation.
An education amid such surroundings is in accordance with the
directions which God has given for the instruction of youth; but it is in
direct contrast with the methods employed in the majority of schools.
Parents and teachers have disregarded the counsel of the Lord. Instead
of following the light he has given, they have walked in the sparks of