The Athens post. [volume] (Athens, Tenn.) 1848-1917, 1857-05-22
THE LAWS OF NATURE AND THE
LAWS OF MAN.

To an educated mind, there is nothing
more beautiful and dg .orious than contem-
plation of the harmtniea of Nature. The man
of wise views behOhs in every atom Of ere
aied matter definite purpose. tie sees not
only beauty but utility in the floating clouds.
and believes that the snrry hosts which stud
the skies were not creaed merely to glimmer
upon this poor ball of clay, but are worlds
and systems Of worlds--the abodes of life,
intelligence, and spirtull power. The laws
OF Nature 90 on with seady progress. They
are Interchangeable and p,rfect, never accelerat-
ed, never retarded. Every particle of matter
is endowed with a potion of that power
which governs the whoe universe. The same
stupendous force whidl controls planet in
its orbit, holds togethethe grains of granite
block, or pebble frou the mountain stream.
In each particle there g an evidence Of the
mighty law o: Progression. In rocks are
properties of soil; in soil, properties of plants,
in plants, properties OF animal life; in animals,
the elements of man. TIE law Of develop
ment connects all nature. There is COM
bined harmonious change taking place in
every animated thing; and life pervades each
iota of matter. This lift principle cannot be
seen, but yet we know il exists We feel in
ourselves sense of Immortality a conscious.
ness that We have sgsthing within US that
will never die, spiritpOwer destined for
happier and purer existence.
Man alone possessesa progressive intellect.
Under proper culture lis soul continually ex-
pands. All other Of The animal kingdom
possess an instinct which never changes
The birds OF to-day sirg the same notes as
the birds which sang il Eden, The beaver
builds the same dam nbw as lie built three
thousand years ago. But beneath the con-
stunt progress of Mature, man continues TO
rise higher and higher b the scale Of knowl-
edge.
He devises new means, attains new ends,
and adorns the world with evidences of his
genius and skill. Aided by science, he leaves
his earth home, and peietrates the mysteries
of the skies. He maps down the locality of
planets. He follows tie blazing comet in its
erruic course. He predicts the seasons in
their career. True, the works of nan are
wonderful. The globe teens with proofs of
his creative power, but how insignificant are
his mightiest works when compared with the
simplest of Natures productions. Who can
paint the gories of sunset, when the city Of
God seems to shadow forth in canopy oi
golden and azure clouds? v ut artist can
initiate the delicate tinis of the sea shell, OF
rival the simple beauty of violet blossom
Mans most perfect creations cannot be com.
pared 10 the wonderful harmony of Nature
Behold the regularity and precision with
which the mighty planets circle in their or
bits. Calmly the sweet moon pursues hel
course up the aisles Of Heaven az she hal
walked since the world began. Tides ebt
and flow while Nations moulder into dust
Proud monuments decay, but every year the
oak puts forth its leaves. Wars convuls,
Nations and human beings are slaughtered
amidst the ruins Of their homes and govern
ments, hut the seasons come and go, and seeC
time and harvest does not fail. Gods law,
are firm and immutabe, for they are founded
on Truth and Wisdom.
Were men perfect as individuals they might
dispense with laws and penalties. Were Ma
iions governed by the enlightened principle.
of Right and Justice there would be no ne
cessity for armies, navies and preparations fol
war But the Millennium season has not vel
arrived, and until the human mind is more
disposed to yield to its better influences, We
must have laws, penalties, and prisons. Bu
the most perfect of mans laws are defective
and inefficient. Theg utterly fail to accom-
plish the ends for which they were devised
Laws against murder DO not prevent that
horrible crime from prevailing all over th,
world. With penitentaries crowded, thieves
burglars, forgers and swinders seem to in.
crease in numbers. And why is this? 1t i.
from want of moral sentiment in the heart,
of men. person who refrains stealing onl,
from fear of the law, is thief at heart
Human enactments are worthless unless they
are supported by sense Of justice in th'
public mind.
Again, human laws are dscordont. Their,
is a lack Of justice in their application ant
administration. There is law for the ricl
and law for the poor. Gilded crime slip'
easily through the moshes of the law, whil'
poverty and wretcbedDess is sure TO receiv,
the heaviest penalty. In the strife for wenltl
and power and worldly greatness, men forge
everything but SELF They cease to be awar
that they are but the simple almoners o
Gods unbounded store; that thev are bu
creatures of day upon this earthly sphere
that beyond the dark veil which we tern
death there is an eternity Of joy or sorrow
Those thoughts will come home to the hear
sometimes, and cause resolutions for bette
things. Conscience, ever at its post, whisper
that "af,er death cometh Judgment" o, tina
man could realize that every day brings hir
nearer ard nearer to that great change Of ex
istence which shall cause his soul 10 see
another sphere of lite. A thousand warning
bid us prepare for the great event, and remin
us also, that