The Mystery of the Beginning
By John Orr
The Mystery of the Beginning.
To the human mind the universe is full of deep, dark mystery. Even those things most familiar through daily association, when technically considered assume a cold reserve that checks every advance toward their hidden spring of existence. The ability of the tiny plant to absorb earth's moisture, and convert it into stalk, leaf, and flower; the process by which these same plants are assimilated by the animal system to maintain life and growth; the power of the human brain to think, reason, and calculate—these, with many similar points of inquiry, have, in large measure, ever eluded the research of scientific investigation. True, some superficial things in these lines have been brought to light; but the depths of nature's energy have never been explored, for the reason that, at the very threshold of inquiry in this direction, science has met an agency so delicately subtle and profound as to defy every attempt to discover its mystical source. Life, in its various forms and methods of operation, is an unknown quantity. Its existence is recognized, because its influence is felt, and some of the products of its being are seen. We feel its pulse-beat in our own organism; we see others moving about by the operation of its power; we note its play of expression in the eye and cheek of a friend; we mark its expansion in twig and blade of vegetation; but beyond these mere externals, the mind of man has never penetrated. The secret of life's power has never been disclosed to its beneficiaries. Altho permitted to enjoy the wealth of its service, they are denied the comprehension of its inherent faculty. The only approach to knowledge in this direction is through a divine revelation. But even this fails to disclose the secret of life's virtue, not because the revelation is faulty, but because the capacity of human understanding is limited. No language with power to convey such a mystery has ever been discovered, and so the spring or fountain of life is still concealed in Him whom no man has seen at any time. Ps. 36:9; John 1:18. The source of this wonderful mystery is somewhere, in something, in somebody; but where? in what? and in whom? No one of earth has power of mind or speech to disclose the secret. A voice has been heard from above, however, proclaiming itself by the incommunicable names of I AM (Self-existent), God Almighty (Infinite Power), and Jehovah (Sure Performance). Ex. 3:14; 6:3. In this august Personage, then, lies concealed that life on which the life of all else in the universe depends for existence. He is indeed above all, and through all, and in all. Eph. 4:6. The question was once asked, "Canst thou by searching find out God?" Job 11:7. This has often been tried through the aid of science, but, after prolonged methodical tests, the confession has been made necessary that far back and beyond all power of human research, there yet remained an unexplored expanse, enshrouded in impenetrable mystery. This is but the verification of a statement made ages in the past, declaring that "God is great, and we know Him not, neither can the number of His years be searched out." Job 36:26. The first and greatest mystery of the life of God is its creative energy. The silent yet sudden appearance of matter produced by an unseen force; its continuance in space as an integral part of an invisible whole; the regular movements of each division exactly conforming in time and position with every other part, as if controlled by some inwrought intelligence—these, while too wonderful for man fully to fathom, are to him the assurance of an intelligent Designer and Creator. Not only is design detected in the harmonious movements of heavenly bodies, but each minute speck of creation reveals the same in its form and equipments. The specific properties of the fly, and its adaptation to external nature, are as complex and manifold as the properties and adaptations of a planet. It is, therefore, not the magnitude of a material body by which the power and wisdom of the Creator is to be estimated, but the perfection and harmony of its parts. The whole creation partakes, more or less, of the nature of that from which it came forth. Activity is a law of its being. The workman does not impart elasticity to the mainspring, but simply molds the steel into a shape from which it may give out its latent power. Regularity is not given to the balance-wheel by human skill. That is an inherent property which is manifested when proper adjustment is given the material of which it is formed. The force of mechanism is an eternal principle which asserts itself whenever the proper relations of certain objects are secured. These facts reveal the wisdom of an Infinite Architect, in producing matter adapted to the needs of an intelligent creation. The steam-engine in its first form was adapted to few purposes, but in its present complex structure is capable of great accomplishments. In its steady development from the first simple mechanism to its present mammoth and complex form as seen in the ocean steamer, no new mechanical force has been originated. Only new parts and adjustments have been added which have developed the old force in new directions, adapting it to the accomplishment of new purposes. All these developments were latent in the power of steam, and were placed there at the first by the force of the Mind which designed the creation. The mind of man is another evidence of the intelligence of the Life from which creation has come. The fact that some men admire in others what they themselves are unwilling to become, shows that the human race has been endowed with the capacity to appreciate moral excellence in advance of present attainments. A sense of present moral imperfections, and a strong desire for higher attainments, have often been expressed by the yearning heart of man. Another fact which reveals divine intelligence in creation is the fact that man reaches his highest and best conditions in life under the influence of a faith which sees a future state that is purer and better than the present; that produces love and reverence for a pure Being who inhabits eternity; that connects the duties and trials of the present with the service and joy of the future. Thus an intelligent life-action is seen running through every fiber of creation, connecting all its parts from first to last. The principle of progress in development, shown in everything, testifies that the highest good was designed to be reached in every department of creation. Then the conditions under which the last and highest piece of the Creator's work progresses toward good, affirms the design for a perfect character in man,—one which is a part of the character of his Author. To consider such a creation as is revealed by the law of progress through inanimate things, by the moral nature of man, and the character of the Creator, one must be impressed that the first great Cause of all things is not only self-existent, but supreme and wise and good. The nearer man comes to the measure of goodness himself, the more his mind will become conscious of the divine impression upon him. The image and attributes of the Infinite One will be5reflected from his soul as from a mirror, and will proclaim to all with unmistakable voice that God is, and that "He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6. And yet all these things, being only created elements, have not the power in themselves to reveal the full and accurate intention of their creation. The heavens may "declare the glory of God," and the firmament show "His handiwork;" passing days may utter speech to the thoughtful mind, and the resplendent nights impart knowledge to the student that an intelligent Mind and omnipotent Hand arranged and controls all things. But these can not reveal the divine purpose of their being. Nothing in sight can do this. Revelation alone can give the needed information in this line, and that can be received only through simple, trusting belief of the truthfulness of the revelation given.