who by beastliness turns his body into a log will be held by gravity in
one spot like a log. He who lives on a level with the animals will
receive fear and law and lightnings. He who approaches God through
laws of light and heat and electricity will find the world-throne
occupied by an infinite Agassiz. Some approach God through physical
senses. They behold his storms sinking ships, his tornadoes mowing
down forests. These find him a huge Hercules; yet the Judge who seems
cruel to the wicked criminal may seem the embodiment of gentleness and
kindness to his obedient children. Man determines what God shall be to
him. Each paints his own picture of Deity. Macbeth sees him with
forked lightnings without and volcanic fires within. The pure in heart
see him as the face of all-clasping Love. Give him thy heart and he
will give thee love, effulgent love, like the affection of mother or
lover or friend, only dearer than either. Give him thy ways, and he
will overarch life's path as the heavens overarch the flowers, filling
them with heat by day and yielding cooling dews by night. Give him but
a flickering aspiration and he will give thee balm for the bruised reed
and flame for the smoking flax. Give him the publican's prayer and he
will give thee mercy like the wideness of the sea. Give his little
ones but a cup of cold water and he will give thee to drink of the
water of the river of life and bring thee to the banquet hall in the
house of many mansions.


[1] Mod. Ptrs., Vol. 5, Chap. 1. The Earth--Veil Star papers: A Walk
Among Trees.