XII STABILITY OF LAW AVING considered many of the laws governing H the movements of man and the adaptation of the Creator's laws to man's need, we shall now take up for observation the benign purpose served in the Stability of Law. In the study of astronomy and the laws of force operating among celestial spheres, we note the exactness and precision with which these bodies function under the laws of gravitation, centripetal and centrifugal forces. In all these movements of the heavenly bodies we see permanency and stability challenging our admiration and we wonder as we observe the mathematician and astronomer calculating with practically absolute precision and exactness the seasons, times, orbits, ecliptics, and the revolving motions of the farthest star, sun or system. Well has the Biblical writer said: "In Him there is no variableness nor shadow of turning; but He is the same to-day, yesterday and forever." We feel so absolutely sure of the stability of the laws governing the solar system that we never imagine what would happen should the sun fail to rise on the morrow, or the light and heat should fail for an instant. In geology we see the same laws operating as in the solar system and astronomical world. Gravitation holds the materials of the earth, the outer crust and inner formations in firm relations, and securely binds them in their spheres to function in the benign purpose of sustaining life. The outer crust and cooler surface is adapted and suited for the habitation of man while the inner parts are found, as we bore into the depths of the earth, to be of a warmer character uncongenial to life, but serving the purpose for support of the outer crust and probably furnishing the necessary supplementary heat to sustain life on the earth. Humanity has attained to such confidence in the stability of these God-given laws that no question is asked as to their stability and permanency. The Stability of Law as related to vegetation, heredity of animal life and all those laws relating to the propagation of life, is seen in all nature. The Biblical statement of this fact cannot be improved upon: "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after his kind." This follows with a persistency most marvelous. It is said that a grain of corn, after passing through an animal and running the gauntlet of all the adverse conditions of such ordeal, remaining whole, will germinate and produce as well as another untried in the furnace of such test. In the animal creation we see the permanency of laws manifested in the laws of heredity; the monkey will produce monkey and not man. But the law of intervention is also persistent, other influences coming in may produce another kind of monkey. The horse, with all persistence, without intervening influences, will produce a horse, but certain other influences may cause another kind of horse to be produced. Jacob's law of intervention, such as stripped or barked trees, according to Biblical account may so influence the strain of cattle or flock as to mark them with stripes. Also the various strains and crosses of animals speak of the persistent law of influence operating among animal creation. But like, uninfluenced, may be expected to produce like. The law of permanency may be seen in the operation of farm and factory. It The farmer may reasonably expect to reap a crop when he plants the seed and like unto the seed planted. does not evaporate. The builder of house, factory, railroad or mill may reasonably expect to have the use of them as they do not decay immediately. "God In other words the Biblical statement is apropos : is not mocked, whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." In the laws of chemistry, mathematics, electricity and dynamics this law of stability maintains throughout. As illustration, we can see in the science of mathematics how the finely adjusted laws of numbers are contributing to the welfare of man. As we study the vast systems of the solar world their almost incalculable distances, their movements in relation to one another, and their adaptations to our needs of life, we find the laws of numbers outstanding-and closely interwoven with the functioning of these bodies in their relations and influences upon one another; yet we never pause to ask: Are they reliable as helps in understanding these vast creations? Mathematics is called an exact science: "Figures do not lie" is a trite saying. By the law of numbers we estimate the time and length of the various seasons, their relation to the various periods of the year, and the ever recurring night and day. In fact, without these marks of events, we would not have any calculation of time, for time is that which marks the succession of events. This conception of time affords us a distinction between time and eternity. We calculate time by the use of numbers: Eternity cannot be calculated. One great astronomer, commenting on the wonderful conjunction of Mars and Jupiter on November 27th, 1921, says: "The conjunction occurred exactly on time as predicted four years before. But think what the mathematicians had to know absolutely to predict this conjunction. The planets are all moving on ellipses, not circles, and each perturbs all the others and changing velocities and directions. All complex equations were solved and the conjunction came on time. These works make those who solved the problems transcendent." These wonderful calculations can be made by man only as he is enabled to use the God-given laws found in the realm of mathematics and provided in the Stability of Law. As we study the history of numbers and their relation to the welfare of man, we find that, concurrent with history, runs this science of exact calculations. The early Egyptian astrologers, as well as those of Assyrian and Chinese origin, were learned in the use of numbers and made use of them in their calculations marking the movements of the heavenly bodies. The Egyptians evidently used these laws in the building of the pyramids and in every important work requiring exactness. Numbers were necessary to build with precision. In the earliest Hebrew history numbers were used as all the writings would indicate. In fact with the dawn of history man resorted to numbers in marking transitions, years and times. In chemistry and physics, in calculations and preparations of formulae indicating proportions, and combinations made in the movements and transitions of changing substance, this exact science of numbers is outstanding as a necessary handmaid to these sciences. In industrial, commercial, social and political life, the feature of permanency is calculated to insure peace and comfort and always inspires confidence and assurance to all parties concerned. All of our improvements in nation, state, city or individual capacity, permanency is the foundation of confidence. Our railroads, great transportation systems, subways and tunnels, building projects, constitutions and laws, all speak of and stand upon the Stability of Law. Any fantastic or effervescent or unstable or shifting formula or plan is inconsistent with the highest purposes of God and man. The Great Teacher on a certain occasion called attention to mark the distinction between the stable and unstable in his parable of the house built upon the rock. The wise man builds for eternity upon the rock, the stable foundation for permanency. The Stability of Law as related to God always inspires men to the highest effort and accomplishment and an optimism unfailing. But the fearful and doubtful man is likened unto the waves of the sea ever changing and unsettled. The desire for Stability in Law appears to be inherent in man, and faith in the permanency of law is the foundation of all movements and action looking to the improvement of humanity. "According to your faith it shall be." If we had no faith in the laws controlling the solar system, the laws of heredity, the laws of animal and vegetable life and in our friends and family, the path of life would certainly be a rough one, full of doubt and fear. In fact, faith in the stability of these God-given laws is necessary to our existence, propagation and |