P. H. GOSSE, _del._ LEIGHTON, BROS.
SPONGES. CHITON.
]
Thus the praise of the all-glorious God lies latent in all his
creatures, whether man educe it or not. Too often, when we observe
the wondrous variety, the incomparable delicacy, elegance, beauty,
the transcendent fitness and perfection of every organ and structure,
we are more occupied with our own pleasure or our own glory than with
the praise of God: our own pleasure in acquiring new knowledge, or in
admiring unexpected beauties; our own glory in opening up new stores
of science; these are our motives to study, and we withhold from, or
feebly and grudgingly give to, the Blessed Creator and Fashioner,
the honour, of which every atom, every combination, every exquisite
contrivance, is eloquently discoursing to us the while. Forgive, O
Thou, who hast created all things, and for whose pleasure they are, and
were created, that we so often touch with irreverent hand Thy glorious
works; that we so often walk with silent tongues on this holy ground!
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