"2. In another way religion gives life to the Intellect, and converts its action into a means of joy. It communicates new interest to all objects of thought. Religion begins by revealing to us the most interesting Being in the Universe, whose character is inexhaustible alike in its essential Perfection and in its endless Manifestations; and whose nearness to us, and constant Influence upon us, arrest the mind with intense admiration, such as all other beings cannot inspire. Nor is this all. Religion reveals Creation to us as vitally connected with this Being of beings, the work of His incessant power, the object of His constant care, comprehended within His boundless goodness, and moved and guided by His influent energy. Thus it throws a new light over all existences, and invests them with a portion of the interest with which God Himself is regarded. Yes! All things within and around us, the earth, sea and heavens, our fellow-creatures and the material world, human nature and human history, all rise into a brighter glory, disclose profounder meanings, and attract the mind with a new charm, when once they are associated in our thoughts with the Infinite Mind. The Universe becomes an open book of Divine Wisdom. Nothing appears too small to become worthy of study, when we recognize that God has imprinted on it His Thought, and left within it some symbol of His own Perfection. All true science is essentially religious. It springs from the intuition of Permanent and Universal Law in nature. And its end is to trace out connexions, dependencies, and harmonious laws throughout creation. It looks upon Nature as one vast system, as a complex whole, all parts of which are bound together and are co-working for the common good. Now these harmonies, connexions, general laws, and common purposes are all the emanation and expression of a Supreme and Disposing Mind. They are Divine Intelligence made visible. It is then the Intelligence pervading Nature that Science studies. Thus in all its discoveries it is virtually tracing out the method of Divine Reason, and, however unintentionally, it contributes to the glory of God's Revealed Truth. The tendencies of Science are all towards God. And consequently it can never be prosecuted so triumphantly and so joyfully, as when quickened and led by the living consciousness of Communion with the Infinite Mind."
Blessings
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