What makes human life sacred?

Here, in fervent sincerity and truth, should human worship the Infinite Author of his being! 

Away from the discords of the outer world, it is fitting that his soul should commune with his Maker in His Holiest Tabernacle—the Great Temple of Nature! 

With the calm, blue sky overarching his head, the vernal beauties of the flowery kingdom, shedding their balmy perfumes around, and the sweet, harmonious warblings of the bright-plumed birds above, it is well that he should here inspire the tender mercies and loving-kindnesses of his God, seek closer converse with Him through these manifestations of His Grace, and attune his heart to the plenary inspiration of Nature's Hymns!

Here God is your only true temple—your only church universal!

Nature with her ten thousand voices speaks His everlasting praise, and the benevolent soul echoes Her voiceful eloquence!

From the tallest and most majestic tree of the forest, down to the tiniest flower of the valley, you trace the mighty sermons of human life, inscribed by Your Infinite Finger!

Here should the immortal soul imbibe the harmonies of Your paternal nature and prepare itself through interior communings with Your natural works, and a knowledge of their beautiful laws, for that higher tabernacle beyond, in which angels chant their songs of everlasting praises to Tour holy name.

 

Twelve Messages from the Spirit of John Quincy Adams