X. Thus, then, and for these reasons, He gave
being to the world of thought, as far as I can reason upon these
matters, and estimate great things in my own poor language. Then
when His first creation was in good order, He conceives a second world,
material and visible; and this a system and compound of earth and sky,
and all that is in the midst of them—an admirable creation
indeed, when we look at the fair form of every part, but yet more
worthy of admiration when we consider the harmony and the unison of the
whole, and how each part fits in
with every other, in fair order, and all with the whole, tending to the
perfect completion of the world as a Unit. This was to shew that
He could call into being, not only a Nature akin to Himself, but also
one altogether alien to Himself. For akin to Deity are those
natures which are intellectual, and only to be comprehended by mind;
but all of which sense can take cognisance are utterly alien to It; and
of these the furthest removed are all those which are entirely
destitute of soul and of power of motion. But perhaps some one of
those who are too festive and impetuous may say, What has all this to
do with us? Spur your horse to the goal. Talk to us about
the Festival, and the reasons for our being here to-day. Yes,
this is what I am about to do, although I have begun at a somewhat
previous point, being compelled to do so by love, and by the needs of
my argument.