Infancy

The first investigative glance which we shall cast upon man, that we might discern him, must fall upon that point which will be the beginning of his earthly stage; for from this point, as from a secure starting point advancing, we wish to survey securely his entire life, all his ages, and the various aspects under which he appears in his earthly life stage. As such a suitable point for our investigations, we must regard infancy, for

Of the earthly stage of man is the most suitable point, from which setting forth, more securely shall we advance in our investigations.

This age presents an image of a being such as none other of the earthly creatures displays; so beautiful, so exquisite, that the observer cannot but marvel at its artisan and recognize it as the finest of his creations. Grace, beauty, and brilliance are the extremes of earthly beauties’ perfections. In the image you do not find those rough continuous lines of the animal character; in it shine wisdom, harmony, beauty, refinement, and grace. The image expresses through its most delicate lines the nobility, a kinship singular and strange to the nature of other beings, a quality harmoniously fashioned by exquisite artistic skill and the divine Artisan, by whose hand every line of the whole image has been wrought with care, presenting another sort of angel visited to ennoble creation. The creature destined to live as an image, in this image one perceives immortality rather than death, spirit rather than matter. Is it possible, then, that this crown of creatures, fashioned with such exceptional grace, was fashioned to be placed in the fate of irrational animals; that he might not know the divine Creator; that he might remain ignorant of the particular goodness shown to him, so brightly displayed; that he might not give thanks to Him for His rich gifts, and might not glorify Him for the greatness of honor, the particular favor, and such goodness toward him; that he might not seek Him and perceive Him in creation; that he might not long for His beauty and implore His divine omnipotence; never! Never! It is impossible; the denial of all these would be a denial of God’s wisdom and understanding; it would be a denial of His goodness, these divine attributes, so brilliantly displayed in the formation of creation, and especially of man. God’s wisdom is evident in the works of nature, in that man also has a reason for his existence.