THIS enormous animal, sometimes called the River Horse, is now a native of various parts of Africa, and is always found either in the water or in its near vicinity.
The skin is covered with a vast number of pores from which comes a thick, oily liquid, which effectually protects him from the injurious effects of the water in which he is so constantly immersed. Thus we see God made him fit to live in water and has also prepared him with teeth which have a terrific appearance but are only intended to cut grass, which he can do as neatly as if it were mown with a scythe, and is also able to sever, as if with shears, a tolerably stout and thick stem.
If this immense animal had a little bill like a sparrow and could only pick one small grain at a time, he would never be able to fill his stomach, for it is capable of holding five or six bushels of food. So we see wisdom in the whole design—the mouth and teeth suitable for the stomach, and the stomach suitable to digest enough food to support such a large body.
Fossil remains are found of it in the London clay in England, showing us, that in some early day, this creature most likely has been in the plains of that country and wallowed in its rivers.
We cannot help but see God’s wonderful wisdom and power as a Creator, as we look at this marvelous animal. Suited as it is for the conditions around it, we are convinced that these things could not have come by chance, but an all-powerful and wise Creator’s hand has put them there.
While God and all things beyond this life are unseen, yet we can say, they, and His eternal power and God-head are understood by those things which are seen.
We have seen His power and wisdom as Creator in our brief sketch of the Hippopotamus, but I believe many of my readers can tell me that God’s love was shown to us when He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross in our stead, to deliver us from the wrath and judgment which we deserved for our many sins. So the Scripture says— “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 4:1010Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. (1 John 4:10).
We may, not only praise and worship God as Creator, but praise and thank Him now for His love to us in giving His Son for us, (who were disobedient and unthankful) and too, to own Him, who is Creator of all things, as our Father.
May you, dear children, put your full trust in Him as your Saviour God and as your Father, who will care for and provide you with all you need.
ML 08/17/1902