Page:Natural Phenomena and their Spiritual Lessons.djvu/26

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NATURAL PHENOMENA.

reformed and brought into order, is supported by external truths drawn from the letter of the Holy Word, and by goodness of a corresponding low class. Like the Baptist, our meat is locusts and wild honey. But when the new birth is accomplished, the higher life is sustained by the interior truths of the spiritual sense, and by goodness of a similar order; for the truths that lead to goodness having done their work, those which thence originate succeed in their place.

As the particulars that accompany and constitute the metamorphosis continue to engage the eye, we remark that the subject of it is no longer alone and barren, but has celebrated its nuptials, and is preparing for the continuation of its species in a numerous progeny. The union of the two universal principles of goodness and truth in the individual mind is the great characteristic feature of the regenerate state. In this union all human perfection consists—the strength and the peace of the mind;—strengh from united effort, peace from unity of purpose. Goodness alone is unable to discover the upward path of life, and equally incapable of pursuing it. Truth alone is cold and hard,—bright, indeed, but unattractive. United—good is vigorous and enlightened by the power and brilliancy of truth; and truth is warmed and softened by the tender impulses of love. It is observable that these heavenly principles, when separately received, appear to lose their heavenly quality, and to cherish a certain degree of mutual disparagement and hostility. Truth seeks to govern according to inflexible laws; despising as weakness the mercy that would convert its rectilinear course into a line of beauty, or rather, into the graceful spiral, ever tending