The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1886-11-27
NATURE, THE SUPERNATURAL
AND MIRACLES.

The system of nature as known to
science had its origin in a supernatural
cause. The cause of the existence of
the universe is not to be found in itself.
1t is dependent system. 1t is not
self-existent and eternal. 1t had its
origin in time. 1t is an effect, and re-
veals the existence and action of a
cause, adequate to its production. 1t
is an axiom of philosophy, and neces-
sary law Of thought, that every effect,
or change, must have cause. Science
demonstrates the beginning of natures
order; the beginning of life, and the
origin of organisms, vital and mental.
John Stuart Mill says that Nature
does not explain her own laws. The
contents of nature does not account for
the origin and existence of natural
order which reveals the presence and
action of mind. 1t is, therefore, evil
dent that the cause of nature is super
natural. 1t is cause that is not con-
tanned in nature, but was before ma
ture, is above nature, and transcends
nature. 1t is not opposed to natural
order, for it instituted it. 1t does not
repeal or abrogate natural law, for it
ordained and established the laws of
nature.
This cause is God; and as God exists
miracle can not be impossible. The
world order implies the existence, pres
ence and action of an ordaining mind.
This mind is supernatural, not because
it is contrary to nature, or opposed to
it, but because it is above it, tran
sends it, and is its source and cause.
Creation is miracle, and the exist
ence of the material universe, as it is
a manufactured article, from atoms
and molecules, to plants, animals and
men, reveals, as everywhere present
and acting, miracle-working power on
person. Natural phenomena are con-
sequently physical signals of an ever
present energy that is superior to ma
ture. Nature is full of God; but it
does not exhaust God. He transcends
nature, and is, therefore, supernatural.
No being can work where he is not as
God works everywhere, he must be
everywhere present, as the designing
mind, the planning intellect, the ordain-
ing reason, and the working will.
There is no thought without think
er; and as the universe is full of divine
thought, the Divine thinker must be
everywhere present in nature as the
cause of its wise arrangements, beauti-
full adjustments, perfect order, and har-
moniOus movement.
Nature has it's source and cause in
the supernatural; and natural forces
are but the manifestations of Divine
will. The Will that created nature can
control it; and the Mind that estab-
lished the world order can use it and
make it subserve moral and spiritual
ends. God works in nature, through
nature, and by nature, as a spirit of |
intelligence, freedom and love, for mans |
material, rational, moral and spiritual |
good. This brings God very close to us.
The divine Father is ever near his
human children to help and save them.
AS our Father, he has general laws for
the family, and special love for, and |
personal communion with each individ- |
ual child in the family. He is above,
around and within us, as our Father,
Friend and Saviour.
He reveals himself to us in nature,
society, history, man, the Bible and by
the direct inspiration of the divine
Spirit. His providence is general and
special and his government universal
and particular. He comes to US in ma
lures order, aud apart from natures
order.
Christianity, as a historical religion,
claims to be supernatural Christ claims
to be supernatural teacher, to make
to man supernatural revelation, and