analysis, we find its origin—its source —in the great fountain
head from which emanate all streams of knowledge—Nature.
But what is Nature ? How shall we define Nature so as to em
body in the definition a clear conception of the meaning of the
word ? Is it even possible to define it ? Shall I, or any being
which is itself but an infinitesimal part of the most minute frac
tion of this great aggregation which we call Nature, presume to
conceive the mighty conception which shall portray it as one
grand whole in all its stupendously enormous immensity? As
well can the tiny sand grain portray the cloud-veiled heights of
the Himalayas; as well can the little dewdrop suggest the volume
of the mighty Pacific, in whose watery bosom we might conceal
every mountain of this earth and not break the glassy mirror
which forms its surface.
Such would be my futile attempts to define and portraj'
Nature. I can only assert that Nature is infinite, and shall the
finite mind dare to presume to grasp the infinite ?
And back of Nature stands what ? God! Nature is the creature,
the creation—God its creator. God is the writer—the author.
Nature’s laws form the book. Nature’s law-book, written by
God and dedicated to the highest order of his handiwork —
mankind.
And what was the command given with the book ? What in
junction was placed upon man when presented with this wonder
ful work? Unseal‘the book! Open the book! Read! Ream I
Bearn from its printed pages the great value of this splendid gift.
Ream to comprehend and appreciate its boundless possibilities and
limitless resources. Ream that the appropriation and develop
ment of these resources and possibilities tend toward the advance
ment of civilization and the improvement of mankind. And,
above all, learn of that wonderful omnipotent wisdom and
omniscient power of that Supreme Being who is the creator of all
Nature and the author of its laws.
Everything in the whole realm of'human knowledge—as it ex
ists to-day—has been read and interpreted from the many chapters
of this book. Geology is a chapter; Chemistry is a chapter;
Biology is a chapter; Sociology is a chapter; Psychology is a
chapter—and so I might continue on and on until I had enumer
ated all branches of learning.
But, would you look closer at this book?
Would you scan its pages and chapters more closely and see
The Free Lance.
[February,