=4. The Extent of Theology.=--Who can survey the boundaries of this science? It deals with Deity--the fountain of knowledge, the source of wisdom; with the proofs of the existence of a Supreme Being, and of other supernatural personalities; with the conditions under which, and the means by which, divine revelation is imparted; with the eternal principles governing the creation of worlds; with the laws of nature in all their varied manifestations. Primarily, theology is the science of God and religion; it seeks to present "the systematic exhibition of revealed truth, the science of Christian faith and life." But in a more general sense, theology has to do with other truths than those which are specifically called spiritual; its domain is co-extensive with that of truth. =5.= The industrial pursuits that benefit mankind, the arts that please and refine, the sciences that enlarge and exalt the mind, are but fragments of the great though yet uncompleted volume of truth that has come to earth from a source of eternal and infinite supply. The comprehensive study of theology, therefore, would embrace all known truths. God has constituted Himself as the great teacher;[2] by personal manifestations or through the ministrations of His appointed servants, He instructs His mortal children. To Adam He introduced the art of agriculture,[3] and even taught by example that of tailoring;[4] to Noah and Nephi He gave instructions in ship building;[5] Lehi and Nephi were taught of Him in the arts of navigation;[6] and for their guidance on the water, as in their journeyings on land, He prepared for them the Liahona.[7] a compass operated by a force more effective than that of terrestrial magnetism; furthermore, Moses received divine instructions in architecture.[8] [2] See Key to Theology, by Parley P. Pratt, chap. i. [3] Gen. ii, 8; Pearl of Great Price: Moses iii, 15. [4] Gen. iii, 21; Pearl of Great Price: Moses iv, 27. [5] Gen. vi, 14: I Nephi xvii, 8; xviii, 1-4. [6] I Nephi xviii, 12, 21. [7] I Nephi xvi, 10, 16, 26-30; xviii, 12, 21; Alma xxxvii, 38. [8] Exo. xxv, xxvi, xxvii. =6. Theology and Religion=, though closely related, are by no means identical. A person may be deeply versed in theological lore, and yet be lacking in religious, and even in moral traits. Theology may be compared to theory, while religion represents practice; if theology be precept, then religion is example. Each should be the complement of the other; theological knowledge should strengthen religious faith and practice. As accepted by the Latter-day Saints, theology comprehends the whole plan of the gospel. "Theology is ordered knowledge, representing in the region of the intellect what religion represents in the heart and life of man."[9] Knowledge may have to do with the intellect only, and however sublime its import, it may fail to affect the hardened heart. [9] W. E. Gladstone.