Reflects that children home from school for the holidays often have time on
their hands. Suggests a game in which a few friends gather around the fire and
ask each other questions, starting with the youngest, those who answer the
question posed to them well having 'the privilege of proposing the next
question'. The questions are to be 'sensible', concerning 'the productions of
different countries, [...] the phenomena of the heavens, [...] natural history,
the arts, the reasons of things, the events of history, and such like'. (16) A
fictionalised example is given. During a discussion of the means of travelling
to France, Marianne gives an account of a balloon, before asking her question:
'What is the difference between a telescope and a microscope?' This is answered
'by a little fellow who made it his practice to read useful books, and to read
them so attentively that he retained in his memory the facts and arguments they
contained' (17). To his question 'Will iron swim?' the general answer is in the
negative; 'Charlotte said she had heard her papa talking about it not many
weeks since, but as she was engaged in trimming her bonnet she did not hear
much that was said, and confessed that she remembered still less, but thought
that it was something about steam-boats and the Ganges' (18). The querist gives
the answer himself, and asks Miss Charlotte for an account of the camel. The
game ends with a discussion of whether the earth is the only world in which
there has been a Fall. A footnote records that there have been editorial
additions to the article.
Asserts the unity of the human species on the basis of biblical texts, but
reflects 'that there are some who do not yield such profound reverence to the
Bible as it deserves, and who must therefore be met upon other ground than that
which has been here assumed' (38). Relates accounts of human origins from other
traditions which seem to support the Mosaic narrative and the doctrine of the
Fall. Introducing evidence from Mexico, observes that this is particularly
valuable, given that infidels have questioned 'how the new world could have
been peopled by Adam's progeny when navigation was almost entirely unknown'
(41). Suggests that the new world could have been peopled across the Bering
Straits. Observes that the two continents need not always have been detached,
suggesting that the same processes in nature that separated other landmasses
would be adequate to explain the separation of these two landmasses. Notes a
'more striking resemblance' between the customs and practices of the natives of
the northern part of America and 'those of the primitive nations, and
especially the Jews, than the practices which obtain further southward' (42).
Argues for the unity of the human species from certain common beliefs and
practices, such as the division of days into weeks.
Edward's father seeks to correct his disposition 'to contend for the minor
points in religion' at the expense of attending to his salvation (44). Gives as
an analogy the idea that a geologist might continue to examine the strata on
the side of
Mount EtnaEtna (Mount), Sicily CloseView the register entry >> while
every sign suggested an imminent eruption. Quotes from
NewtonNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>: 'I do not
know [...] what I appear to others, but I compare myself to a boy seated on the
sea-shore, busily employed in collecting shells, and in selecting those he
considers of peculiar value. Thus have I been employed all my life, while the
great ocean of truth lay undiscovered before me' (45). Edward has been studying
his Bible. His father asks him: 'Do you believe that you are a compound being,
composed of body and soul, and can you comprehend the union existing between
them?', to which Edward replies that it is 'quite a mystery'. Edward's father
asks him if he believes the surprising discoveries in astronomy which they have
been reading about. 'Why, father,' Edward replies, 'we have no reason to doubt
the testimony of such men of science as
Sir JohnHerschel, Sir John Frederick William
(1792–1871)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
and
Sir William
HerschellHerschel, Sir William
(1738–1822)
DSB
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>, and others, when it is corroborated by experiments'.
Edward's father also asks him if he believes what he has recently read about
the nature of light and the physiology of sight, which Edward does, since it is
'recorded upon good authority'. His father charges him with inconsistency in
accrediting the testimony of fellow mortals while being 'disposed to reject a
revelation from above' because some parts of it are beyond the limits of his
comprehension. (46) He recommends that Edward pray for enlightenment on points
of scripture which he finds beyond his comprehension.
Considers the many advantages possessed by 'a man of small fortune' in
England (50), resulting from international trade, steam-driven machinery, a
well-developed transport system, military protection, the press, and books.
The narrator's Cornish uncle was uneducated, and yet had learned a good deal
by observation and inference. The narrator reflects on the spread of education
to all classes and tells a brief anecdote to demonstrate this, observing that
'it is the Bible only that gives us a proper knowledge of the Lord of heaven
and earth', and contrasting the knowledge of the English poor with that of the
poor of other races (75). As a child the narrator heard from his uncle an
anecdote illustrating the meaning of inference, which concerned a dervish who
inferred much about a camel from the traces it left in the sand. They were
shortly after visited by a local clergyman, who placed a bird on the table and
encouraged the narrator to infer its haunts and habits. The boy did so by
functionalist interpretation of its anatomy, asserting: 'It can never have been
created for purposes which it is unable to accomplish, since He who made all
things is God; and with Him is fulness of wisdom' (78). The bird was a sky-lark
but was also white, and they discussed the occasional appearance of such birds,
relating the phenomenon to the need for camouflage in very severe winters.
This, and several other provisions in the coats of animals, provided the
company with 'interesting proofs [...] of the manifold wisdom of God!'. In
response to the boy's inquiry about the inferences to be drawn from the lark's
death, the clergyman replied: 'Whenever we see disease or any form of
suffering, or look upon the dying and the dead, we may assuredly infer that our
iniquities have separated between God and us, and our sins have hid his face
from us' (80). They expand upon this theme in the remainder of the
conversation.
The narrator relates a conversation with a friend on 'some unexpected
political changes', and takes consolation 'that though creatures change, the
Lord is unchangeable'. Meditates on 'How changeable is every part of the
universe', and reflects on the constant changes in the heavens. Considers the
'face of nature' particularly changeable, and contemplates the seasons.
(83)
Ethnology, Human Species, Race, Breeding, Degeneration, Progress,
Physiognomy
Answers the objection that the differences between human races is at odds
with the supposition of their common ancestry. Compares human races with
varieties of domestic animals, where the varieties are known to be of one
species. Observes: 'we think it might be proved that the human race differs in
little else than external appearance, if we put out of the question the
peculiar station which, in a moral or religious view, they occupy, and the
working of those mysterious purposes with which they stand associated, and are
destined to further, by Him who sees the end from the beginning' (89). Argues
that, despite the degraded state of 'the slave-population of our colonies', the
'first civilized nation [i.e. the ancient Egyptians] was a nation of Blacks'
(90). Argues that the Jews 'were for a long series of years the conservators of
knowledge', but that they, too, have become degraded (91). Considers no greater
moral or intellectual change to have taken place in a people than in the
British since Saxon times. Discusses the differences in external colouration
often found in animals of the same species in different climates, and suggests
that racial differences in the human species may result from a similar cause.
Suggests that the difference in countenance between the 'low-lived and
unthinking boors' of rural England and the 'well educated and intelligent
gentleman of his own country' may be no less striking than that between the
former and an 'inhabitant of the least civilized nation upon earth' (92).
Begins: 'When first the new world met the eager view, / Of him from Europe,
strange was his delight; / All things were fresh, a wonder in his sight—
/ A simple weed is "Marvel of Peru!"'. A footnote, apparently taken from
Rousseau 1785Rousseau,
Jean-Jacques 1785. Letters on the Elements of Botany: Addressed
to a Lady, trans. by
Thomas Martyn, London: B. White and
Son
CloseView the register entry >>,
substantiates this claim, noting: 'The plants and animals which were sent to
Europe, had pompous names given them: one of these is the Marvel of Peru, the
only wonder of which is the variety of colors in the flower'. The poem recounts
that a mountain river in the new world, fed by melting snows, was reported to
be diurnal in its flow. The poet observes an analogy with life: earth gives no
sustenance 'in the season of affliction's night'. By contrast, the divine
'fount [...] flows fullest in the darkest hour'.
Mary complains to her mother that she is not learning as much as other
fourteen-year-old girls. Her cousin Susan has seven tutors, including 'one she
calls "the philosopher", who comes once a week to lecture her on all
kinds of science' (110). Mary's mother elicits the intelligence that Susan is
not happy, and is only working so hard in order to be accomplished when she is
old enough to come out. She points out that all things should be done 'to the
glory of God', rather than for the sake of praise. She explains how each part
of Mary's studies is intended to fulfil this requirement. 'That every girl
should be well-grounded in arithmetic', she observes, 'is necessary, to enable
her to keep the accounts of her household, and to regulate her own and her
domestic expenditure'. (111) She tells Mary that the glory of God may be kept
in view 'in every branch of natural history, astronomy, and even your favorite
botany, for all of these shew forth and declare the wonderful works of God; and
in the study of each, our thoughts should be drawn forth to Him who formeth all
things' (112).
The author has recently visited some of the places described in the letters
and poems of
William CowperCowper, William
(1731–1800)
ODNB CloseView the register entry >>,
and, since 'the merits of Cowper seem at the present to be more than ever
appreciated', offers some descriptions. Observes that, in addition to the
relations of cause and effect discussed in a recent article (Anon, 'Inferences', Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 74–82), 'there are relations of another kind which
we usually call associations'. Argues that the human species is 'not "a
reasoning animal", but an animal that can reason'. Those who can 'draw
inferences' find that God 'is associated with them in every relation of
creation, providence, and grace; for to such the "radiant deity" speaks through
all His works in language which they are at no loss to interpret'. The author
observes that 'the conviction that "my Father made them all", is not the
only one that arises' when he or she surveys a rural scene. (114)
Suggests other ways in which the natural world can call to mind various aspects
of Christian faith, before turning to other associations which scenery can
have, as illustrated by the narrator's recent visit to Cowper's home
country.
Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 135–36.
The Perforated Rock of St. Michael's. From
"The History of the
Azores"Ashe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Ashe 1813Ashe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Geology
Describes the formation of the rock by the action of a hot spring.
As a young man, the narrator would not apply himself steadily, and became an
infidel. Falling into debt and applying to his family for funds, his sister
expostulated with him over his infidelity: '"Henry", she would say, "can you
look round on this degenerate, though still lovely world of ours, and not own
the superintending care of a Divine Providence? Does not all nature cry aloud,
'The Lord God Omnipotent reigneth?' [...]"' (150).
Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 154–55.
The Caldeiras, or Boiling Springs of St. Michael's. From the
History of the AzoresAshe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Ashe 1813Ashe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Geology, Feeling, Wonder, Piety
Before describing the springs the writer observes: 'To contemplate such
extraordinary appearances without emotion, and a fearful admiration of that
great Being, who calmly forms these miracles to operate on the minds and
conduct of his creatures, was impossible' (154).
Biblical Authority, Theology of Nature, Causation, Miracle
Discusses two examples of scriptural poetry (taken from Ps. 29 and 77) which
declare 'the glory and majesty of God' (162). Much of the discussion pertains
in general terms to God's relation to the created order. Following the text of
Ps. 77. 19 the writer observes: 'in the works of God we see much that we are
compelled to acknowledge is his work, but it has been accomplished through the
instrumentality of second causes, and though we refer all these "causes" to the
effect of God's appointment, yet we cannot point to any act of God, and say of
it, "this hath God wrought" in the sense of his direct operation without the
intervention of an intermediate agency' (167).
Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 168–72.
Illustrations of Scripture
Anon
Genre:
Regular Feature, Miscellaneous
[4] The Wild Ass
Subjects:
Biblical Authority, Zoology, Ancient Authorities
In illustration of the text Job 39. 5–8, gives descriptions of the
wild ass or onager from
XenophonXenophon
(c. 435–c. 354 BC)
CBD CloseView the register entry >> and other
sources.
The children of Mr. Deane are pleased that it is raining because their
neighbours and relations are suffering from a shortage of water. They ask him
for an account of the source of rain, and he obliges in considerable detail,
discussing the oceans and rivers. He reads an account 'of a person who
travelled across the desert' in order to show them the value of water (201).
The conversation ends with Mr. Dearne wishing his children to be 'as eager to
receive the words of everlasting life' as the travellers in the narrative were
to procure water (202).
The first four stanzas inquire: 'Is there a man' who has seen the various
aspects of the created order, who has not 'ask'd, nor sought to know' whose
wisdom, power, and goodness it was 'that made them so?' The final stanza reads:
'If such a thoughtless wretch there be, / How sunk and how debas'd is he! /
Consign him with the beastial train, / To feed on husks, or graze the plain; /
And never let his careless eye / The wonders view of earth and sky, / Till he
has known, or sought to know, / The Almighty power that made them so!' The poem
originally appeared in a previous issue of the magazine.
Ross 1835Ross, John 1835.
Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a
Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833:
Including the Reports of James Clark
Rossand the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole,
London: A.W. Webster
CloseView the register entry >>
The narrative describes the discovery of the magnetic north pole, and the
placing of the British flag there. Editorial footnotes provide explanations of
some of the more technical terms. One note observes that the cause of magnetic
attraction is unknown, adding: 'God has given us a certain measure of
knowledge, but He is "the only wise" in the full meaning of that expression'
(235n).
'DescartesDescartes, René Du Perron
(1596–1650)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, whose habits were formed in
solitude and meditation, was silent in mixed company; it was said that he had
received his intellectual wealth from nature in solid bars, but not in current
coin' (240).
The writer identifies the earthquake related in Acts 16. 26 with an
earthquake recorded at Apamea in the same year, observing: 'As God often works
miracles, even by natural causes, so the prison doors, being opened to Paul by
the earthquake, would still be the effect of Divine agency'.
Section: Poetry
Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 251–52.
The Ruby-Crested Humming Bird. (Trochilus moschitus)
The poem is narrated by a humming bird, and recalls its former life in the
West Indies. It is prefaced by a brief unidentified quotation describing the
habits of the bird.
[Paris] 1827[Paris, John
Ayrton] 1827. Philosophy in Sport made Science in Earnest! Being
an Attempt to Illustrate the First Principles of Natural Philosophy by the Aid
of the Popular Toys and Sports, 3 vols, London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown
and Green
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Physics, Education, Amusement
The writer considers how toys could be used to give a child 'some general
notions with regard to the properties of matter' (273). Reports that the kite,
'one of the most instructive and amusing of all the pastimes of our youth', was
'the favorite toy of
NewtonNewton, Sir Isaac
(1642–1727)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> in his
boyish days' (274).
Bucke 1821Bucke, Charles
1821. On the Beauties, Harmonies and Sublimities of Nature: With Occasional
Remarks on the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Opinions of Various Nations, 4
vols, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
CloseView the register entry >>
Relates several anecdotes relating to the affection of animals.
Youth's Magazine, 8 (1835), 278–79.
The Muddy Crater of St. Michael's. From
"The History of the
Azores"Ashe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Ashe 1813Ashe, Thomas 1813.
History of the Azores, or Western Islands: Containing an Account of the
Government, Laws, and Religion, the Manners, Ceremonies, and Character of the
Inhabitants, and Demonstrating the Importance of these Valuable Islands to the
British Empire, London: Sherwood, Neely, and Jones
CloseView the register entry >>
Bucke 1821Bucke, Charles
1821. On the Beauties, Harmonies and Sublimities of Nature: With Occasional
Remarks on the Laws, Customs, Manners, and Opinions of Various Nations, 4
vols, London: G. & W. B. Whittaker
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Discovery, Serendipity, Astronomy
Describes several discoveries in which trees were involved: 'From observing
a tree,
HipparchusHipparchus
(1st quarter of 2nd century BC–after 127
BC)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> discovered
the parallax [of] the planets [...]. And a savage of America, was induced to
entertain a wider notion of the powers of a Deity, and to believe in his
omnipotence, from reflecting, that no one could imagine from its external
structure, that an oak sprung from an acorn. To the circumstance of a shrub
being torn up by its roots, were the Spaniards indebted for the discovery of
the mines of Potosi' (279).
Exhorts children and their parents to appreciate the importance of
observation. Writes as though the walk which the reader recently took was the
same as that which the narrator 'wandered over' a few days ago. Gives an
account of that walk, and of what there was to see. Observes of the valley: 'We
are not geologists, but we fancied we could see in the fluted sides of this
romantic hollow [...] traces of an ancient water-course'. Reflects on 'the
wilder and more majestic operations of His hand, "who cutteth out rivers among
the rocks"', as in the 'majestic streams of the New World', which plainly tell
'the sceptic and the gainsayer that all things do not continue as they
were from the creation'. (294) Observes: 'To a mind used to such exercises,
"there is no picking up a pebble, without finding all nature in connection with
it"'. Describes finding a flint which contains a fossilized specimen of the
sponge Ventriculites radiatus. 'We are at a loss to tell how it came
there, but there can be no doubt of the fact. [...] These things seem strange
to those who neither think nor observe; but all who have read much of the
burning springs of Iceland, will be aware that flints are now actually forming
in those laboratories of Nature'. (295) Describes finding a 'fine specimen of
the lycoperdon bovista; the puff-ball', and gives an illustration
'transferred from our sketch-book, which we always carry with us on our
perambulations' (296–97). Details the role of bees in fertilizing
flowers, and the adaptation of the fig to nourish insect larvae in order to
ensure fertilization. Relates observations on passing through a quarry, noting
that 'our philosophers, not two centuries since' thought fossils were sports of
nature (297). Reflects on the disposition of the strata: 'Whilst Justice was
executing the work of overthrow and ruin, Love was treasuring up and bringing
into light materials which were hereafter to be of vast importance in the
economy of human life' (298). The party returned home from their ramble with
bouquets of wild flowers as mementos; the narrator introduces a poem entitled
'The Orchis pyramidalis (In my Chamber Window)', written by one of the party,
celebrating the signs of God in nature.
Discussing missions to China, observes that demand for books exceeds supply.
Declares that 'the progress of science, and the improvements in art, will
combine to accelerate the triumphs of the cross. The application of the power
of steam to printing, has furnished a means of multiplying books with a
facility unknown in all former ages'. (315) Observes that the Chinese
characters do not stand for words 'but directly for ideas and objects', and are
'common to many nations whose spoken languages are very different'. Explains
this by reference to mathematical symbols, which are 'intelligible to every
mathematician in Europe', though each reads them in his own tongue: 'A French
and English mathematician, unacquainted with one another's language, could
reason together with perfect fluency and freedom, by mathematical symbols on a
board'. (316)
Ross 1835Ross, John 1835.
Narrative of a Second Voyage in Search of a North-West Passage, and of a
Residence in the Arctic Regions During the Years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1833:
Including the Reports of James Clark
Rossand the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole,
London: A.W. Webster
CloseView the register entry >>
Censures a habit of irregularity, observing: 'we need no greater examples of
order and regularity than the course of the planets, the appearance of the
seasons, and the periodical return of comets. "Concerning the heavenly bodies,"
says
Mr. RayRay, John
(1627–1705)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>, "there is so much
exactness in their motions, that they punctually come to the same periods to
the hundredth part of a minute"' (342).
Anon 1832Anon. 1832. The Young Gentleman's Book: Containing a
Series of Choice Readings in Popular Science and Natural History, Together with
Retrospective Essays, Conversations, Literary Reminiscences, etc., London:
Hamilton, Adams, and Co.; Dublin: John Cumming; Edinburgh: Constable and Co.;
Paris: Galignani; New York: W. Jackson
CloseView the register entry >>
Subjects:
Comparative Anatomy, Design
Describes the ears of several species and relates them to their
function.
Describes the scenes of rural autumn, including some detailed accounts of
birds. Reflects at length on the decay of natural objects. Concludes: 'Blest,
who can often care, or find / Employment for the vacant mind, / In nature's
scenes! Thrice blest is he, / Who onward casts his eyes to see, / In all that
through the waters move, / In earth beneath, and heav'n above, / The Sovereign
Pow'r who nature made, / The Author in his works display'd!' (360).
Stennett 1788Stennett,
Samuel 1788. A Sermon in Commemoration of the Great Storm of
Wind, Nov. 27, 1703 and of the More Dreadful Storm which Threatened the
Destruction of British Freedom at the Eve of the Revolution: Preached in
Little-Wild-Street, Nov. 27, 1788. To Which is Annexed a Poem to the Memory of
King William III First Published in 1702, London: J. Buckland and R.
Bishop
CloseView the register entry >>
Describes the storm, which included 'appearances in the heavens that
resembled lightning', but which the author considers were probably 'meteors and
fiery vapours' (370). Records that some 'imagined the tempest was accompanied
with an earthquake; but of this there was no clear proof' (371). Views the
storm and its abatement as acts of God.
On an evening walk the narrator hears a neighbour declare of the comet: 'Is
that it? [...] why it's nothing after all!'. Looking at the
'much-talked-of messenger', the narrator reflects that there is 'more good
sense than good humour' in this exclamation. While not wanting to suggest that
there is 'a single object undeserving of attention, or barren of materials for
deep and serious thought', the narrator reflects that, when 'the one thing
needful' is overlooked, there is some call for censure or veto to 'shut out
from our unsanctified researches these gods many and lords many of our own
creation'. (379) Does not undervalue science, but opposes error. Is 'waging war
with those who wrest the scripture of creation to their own bewilderment, and
not with those who learn through it something of "the invisible things of
God"'. Fears that many astronomers are undevout: they may have some sense of
God in his works, but 'the style of their arguments' often suggests that they
are 'looking for truth in the "rigid and infallible geometry" of their
propositions, rather than in the word of Him who cannot lie'. Astronomy often
distracts from the Bible, but 'whilst the heavens declare His glory, and the
firmament His handiwork but dimly, the law of the Lord is perfect, and
able to make us wise unto salvation'. Relates this distinction to the
inadequacy of deism for moral transformation. (380) The narrator is more
concerned with taking this opportunity of 'contrasting the errors of the
creature with the perfections of the Creator, than in launding the science
which our fellow-creatures have displayed in misinforming the pubic mind, or
the vanity with which they have appropriated the facts of history relating to
this celestial visitant'. Observes that anyone acquainted with the history of
Halley'sHalley, Edmond
(1656?–1743)
DSB CloseView the register entry >> comet
could have predicted its reappearance at this time, and that 'the path which it
has taken among the stars is not exactly that marked out for it by the most
skilful astronomers of Europe'. Uses this to enforce 'a lesson which cannot be
too often repeated,—that "the wisdom of God is foolishness before God"'.
(381) The sense of wonder prompted by the comet should lead to feelings of
piety.
Brand 1828Brand, Charles
1828. Journal of a Voyage to Peru: A Passage across the Cordillera of the
Andes, in the Winter of 1827, Performed on Foot in the Snow; and a Journey
Across the Pampas, London: Henry Colburn
CloseView the register entry >>
Relates that
GalileoGalilei, Galileo
(1564–1642)
DSB CloseView the register entry >>
invented the pendulum after observing a lamp swinging backwards and forwards as
a result of its having been accidentally disturbed.
The poem is prefaced by the comment: 'An atheist once said to me, "Where is
your God, show him to me, and I will believe". On Returning home the following
lines suggested themselves'. The poem directs the infidel to see God in nature
and, in the final stanza, to find him in prayer.