Book 1834. "EVERY HOUSE IS BUILDED BY SOME MAN; BY I. NICHOLS, D. D. PASTOR OF THE FIRST CHURCH IN PORTLAND. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1831, by WILLIAM HYDE, in the Clerk's office of the District Court of Massachusetts. GIFT PRESS OF C. 8. D. & B. F. GRIFFIN. CATECHISM OF 15 1831 NATURAL THEOLOGY. INTRODUCTION. Teacher. What do you understand by Natural Theology? A. Theology, derived from two Greek words employed to signify our knowledge of God, is divided into two parts, natural and revealed. Revealed theology embraces those extraordinary discoveries which God has made to mankind in the holy scriptures. Natural theology teaches what may be known of God, from the manifestations of his existence and perfections in the natural world. T. What do the scriptures observe respecting natural theology? A. While the scriptures principally require us to know God, as he has revealed himself to us in his di A 2 vine word, they also require us to contemplate his being and providence, as they are manifested in the objects of nature. Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things. They speak of the works of creation as presenting the plainest proofs of an all-powerful and divine Author. The invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things which are made, even his eternal power and Godhead.— They invite our attention to the wonders of creation, as a most noble and delightful study. The works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them who have pleasure therein. They call upon the heavens and earth, the seas and mountains, the animal, the herb, and every thing which exists, to celebrate the praises of the Creator; that is, they require of us to study his providence ourselves, as exhibited in these various forms, and elevate our souls to him, in the contemplation of that almighty power and munificence, which are displayed in every part of the universe. It was a common practice with our Saviour, in teaching his disciples, to make use of the works of nature in leading them to reflect on heavenly and spiritual things. Behold the fowls of the air. Consider the lillies of the field. T. What other reasons recommend this study? A. While it is adapted to cultivate our devout feelings, and render the universe a perpetual temple for the worship of its infinite Author, the study of nature is most worthy of a rational curiosity. It is suited to every capacity. It may be enjoyed in every situation. Its field is boundless; its novelty inexhaustible. If the eminence of an artist attach a higher interest to his productions; if we should crowd to see the works of a Phidias, a Praxiteles, or a Raphael, with what emotions should those objects be surveyed, which lead up our thoughts to an Almighty Author. Shall we reserve our curiosity for the imperfect exhibitions of our own limited powers, and be indifferent to the study which reveals in every form the hand of Infinite Wisdom? Whatever reason we can imagine for the study of human inventions, a far higher, surely, may be adduced for directing our attention to those Divine contrivances which immeasurably surpass them. There is scarcely an art but has its more simple and admirable parallel in some natural provision. Nature either furnishes the pattern, or exemplifies the result in a more perfect manner. telescope was improved, and the first idea of it probably suggested, from an examination of the Eye. What is the most finished statue, compared with the living form? The works of art are soon exhausted; and by a critical inspection we can easily discover blemishes and imperfections in them. But the more closely we examine their great originals in the vast kingdom of nature, the more proofs do they afford us of the perfection of the works of God, in comparison with the highest efforts of human skill. Shall our interest then be excited at hearing of any new engine or piece of machinery which some one has invented? shall novelty be attractive and almost irresistible, when The |