The Handiworks of Jehovah

Nature is a true and living Temple of the Most High God; where He is devoutly worshipped in spirit and in truth and where His highest excellences are sounded, and His purest praises sung! The roaring cataract thunders forth His infinite power, and the little meandering rill murmurs His humility! The lashing waves of the ocean echo His imperial majesty, and the calm, placid waters of the lake reflect His pure simplicity! The very birds of the air chant thanksgivings to Him for providing for their wants and necessities, while there was one above them who had not where to repose his weary head, and even the beasts of the field, in mute eloquence, resound their feelings of instinctive gratitude.

In the forked lightnings, we read a Sermon of God's mighty power, and in the rolling thunders, of His majesty and strength! In the forest bowers and flowery groves, echoing with the matins of a thousand musical tongues, we discern the Impartial Love and Charity of Omniscience, who has clothed His Natural Creation in so many wondrous beauties calculated to elevate and ennoble the affections of the children He has created, and draw out the worshipful powers of their hearts to the Great Infinite Originator! In all these unfolding elements we trace the handiworks of Jehovah, and see engraved thereon those immortal sermons, which teach us, by beauty of argument and illustration, the purest lessons of piety and wisdom, and by which we are brought into a nearer and holier relationship with their Divine Author.

Twelve Messages from the spirit of John Quincy Adams through Joseph D. Stiles, medium to Josiah Brigham, Bela Marsh Publishers, Boston, 1859