Wisdom and power and means directed to an end run all
through the scheme of Nature. What proof do we want,
then, from a book? If the man who observes the myriad
stars, and considers that they and their innumerable
satellites move in their serene dignity through the
heavens, each swinging clear of the other's orbit--if, I
say, the man who sees this cannot realise the Creator's
attributes without the help of the book of Job, then his
view of things is beyond my understanding. Nor is it
only in the large things that we see the ever present
solicitude of some intelligent force. Nothing is too
tiny for that fostering care. We see the minute
proboscis of the insect carefully adjusted to fit into
the calyx of the flower, the most microscopic hair and
gland each with its definite purposeful function to
perform. What matter whether these came by special
creation or by evolution? We know as a matter of fact
that they came by evolution, but that only defines the
law. It does not explain it.
But if this power has cared for the bee so as to
furnish it with its honey bag and its collecting forceps,
and for the lowly seed so as to have a thousand devices
by which it reaches a congenial soil, then is it
conceivable that we, the highest product of all, are
overlooked? It is NOT conceivable. The idea is
inconsistent with the scheme of creation as we see it.
I say again that no faith is needed to attain the
certainty of a most watchful Providence.
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