The British Museum possessed in the Portland Vase one of the finest remains of ancient art. It may be remembered how, some years ago, the world of culture was shocked to hear that this precious relic had been shattered by a maniac's hand.
Without disparaging cultured taste, or this exquisite example of it, I venture to say that there is not a poor worm which we tread upon, nor a sere leaf which dances merrily in its fallen state to the autumn winds but has superior claims upon our study and admiration. The child who plucks a lily or rose to pieces, or crushes the fragile form of a fluttering insect destroys an intricate work which the highest human art could not invent, nor man's best skilled hand construct!
There is not a leaf which quivers on the trees of the forest which does not eclipse the brightest glories of the painter's brush or the sculptor's chisel! A simple flower has no rival among the triumphs of invention, which the silly world flocks to see.
Yes, in His humblest works, God infinitely surpasses the highest efforts of all created skill.
[Thomas Guthrie]
Psalm 33:5 ... He loveth righteousness and judgment: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.
Psalm 104:24 ... O Lord, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches.
Psalm 19:1-2 ... The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.❤
