Key to the Science of TheologyPratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Religion
Key to the Science of Theology
Pratt, Parley P. (Parley Parker)
Latter Day Saint churches; Latter Day Saint churches -- Doctrines
A few months, however, develop a marked change--he begins to learn the
use, and put forth the powers of his will. The body, developed in a
commensurate degree, is able to obey that will. Thus commences
locomotion. The child crawls or creeps about the floor; explores the
little world--that is to say, the room where he resides, or the
adjoining apartment--becomes familiar with its dimensions, bearings
and contents, and recognizes his associates or fellow citizens of the
same little world. Then he becomes familiar with the science of
geography and of history, if I may so call it, in his little world.
Prompted by curiosity, he may, perhaps, cast an occasional glance
beyond the limits of his own abode. He may contemplate a building or
landscape on the other side of the street or field, but with much of
the same feeling as a man, more matured, casts his eyes to the distant
planets. He concludes that these distant objects are entirely beyond
the reach of his powers of locomotion.
In a short time, however, his faculties, still expanding, develop new
and increasing energies. He conceives "_big thoughts_." He even thinks
of dispensing with his plodding, creeping manner of locomotion, and of
trying to stand upright, and even make a first step towards walking.
It is a great undertaking. He hesitates, doubts, fears, hopes, till
finally, being cheered onward in his career by his parents or his
nurse, he makes the attempt. After several falls, failures, and
disappointments, he at length succeeds in walking two or three steps.
O what a triumph in his powers of locomotion! He is cheered, embraced,
overwhelmed, by those who have been watching his progress and
encouraging him, until, overcome and carried away by an extasy of
transport, he falls, blushing, smiling and exulting into the arms held
out for his reception. He dreams not of a higher attainment. He is
now, in his own estimation, at the very highest pinnacle of human
development.
Improving in his new mode of locomotion, he soon runs about the yard,
along the street, through the field, makes new discoveries, sees new
habitations, enlarges his geographical knowledge, and begins to
conceive the probability that his views have been too narrow, and that
there may be a bigger world, more people, and more buildings than were
dreamed of in his philosophy.
In a few years he may become familiar with the geography and history
of the island or continent on which he lives. He may even begin to
aspire after the knowledge of other climes, and to conceive or
conjecture that beyond the limits of the almost infinite expanse of
waters, things and beings may exist after the similitude of his own
sphere. He longs to overcome the physical barriers, which confine him
in so limited a sphere, and thus enlarge his acquaintance, his social
feelings, his friendship, his affections and his scientific knowledge.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account