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Deity. All the planets in the solar system revolve round the sun with rapid speed; and yet they are so contrived that there is no disorder, or clashing with each other, in their varied courses. Day and night, with the varying seasons of the year, return with exact order, from age to age. The reason of man, the instinct of animals, and the gravitation of inanimate bodies, display the profound plans of the adorable Creator; and the beauty, order, and utility of every thing around us are indubitable proofs of his amazing wisdom.

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The power of God appears in his mighty works. "He hath made the earth by his power." Jer. x. 12. "The heavens are the work of his fingers." Ps. viii. 3. And we are assured that power belongeth unto God." Ps. lxii. 11. But how astonishing, and how incomprehensible, is that power which, with a word, could create unnumbered worlds! And that power which created all things, upholds the universe with greater ease than man sustains the lightest burden; and it is moved and directed by him with less effort than a man moves and directs his hand or his foot. And such is the power of the divine Being, that, if he pleased, he could destroy the whole frame of nature by a word.

Divine goodness is displayed, in shining characters, through the wide extent of creation. It extends to men, to brutes, and to every tribe of

insects. All are provided with suitable food, with natural or artificial covering from the cold, and with means of self-defence. We may observe of those that live on the earth, that the sun shines on all; the air is free for all; the earth pours forth her treasures for all; the water is within the reach of all; and all largely share the rich bounties of Him who gave them being. Men are favoured with fine views of creation, in its beauty and glory; and the light that discovers its admirable structure is pleasant to the eye. All the senses, as well as the sight, are regaled with the wonders of the visible. world. Melodious sounds delight the ear; sweet perfumes delight the smell; wholesome food is pleasurable to the taste; and fine feelings afford a considerable portion of pleasure. Had a malignant being created the world, every thing in nature would have been the reverse; and those things which now gratify and delight the senses, would have been painful sources of misery. In hell, where Satan reigns, all is wretchedness and woe.

V. The world in which we live, with all the visible worlds in the universe, should be carefully studied by every child of man.

Pious David was a student in the school of nature. He considered the heavens, which declare the glory of God; and could say to the Lord, "I meditate on all thy works; I muse on the work of thy hands." Ps. cxliii. 5.

Let us follow his example, recollecting that "the works of the Lord are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein." Ps. cxi. 2. Men of good taste, in every nation, take pleasure in contemplating the works of God. They are sought out for information, for use, and for pleasure; and all these ends are attained, in a higher or lower degree, by the pious student. His mind is enlightened; he discovers the useful qualities of various objects around him; and he is delighted with the results of his unwearied researches in this wide and fruitful field.

By a diligent study of creation, in its vast extent, God is highly exalted in our esteem. His wisdom, power, and goodness meet the eye in every direction; and while we view his wondrous works, we admire, adore, and praise his excellent majesty and glory. Every thing we see, whether in heaven above, or in the earth below, reminds us of his infinite perfections; and fills the soul with a firm persuasion that he is the greatest and the best of beings. If that little flower which opens its beauties on the desert heath, awaken in us a deep conviction of his glory, what must we feel when we survey the heavenly bodies which move in silent grandeur above our heads! Surely, "All thy works shall praise thee, O Lord; and thy saints shall bless thee. They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and talk of thy power." Ps. cxlv. 10, 11.

Let parents teach their children the wonderful works of God; let pious tutors of youth teach their pupils the true philosophy of nature; and let pious Ministers teach the wonders of creation to their numerous congregations. It will then appear to all, that the God of nature is the author of the Bible; and that both these volumes are full of important instruction to all who read and study them with pious and devout feelings. In the one they see the glory of the Deity in his mighty works; and in the other they see rich displays of mercy and grace in Christ Jesus. Combined, they contain a complete view of the supreme Being, and his glorious attributes, as far as it is necessary for man to know these sublime subjects. But the philosopher, who neglects the Bible is ignorant of redemption and salvation; and the Christian who neglects philosophy, is ignorant of creating power and love. When these studies are united, the Lord our God is known in all his adorable characters; and we cheerfully unite to bless the Author of all that is wise and good.

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CHAPTER VI.

DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

The world is governed by providence-This extends to allIt is wise—and just—but mysterious—Instruments are employed in providential occurrences-Providence is cheering to good men-but terrible to the wicked-Two objections briefly considered-Practical uses laid down.

It is allowed by all who read the Scriptures, that the world is governed by its Maker. Divine providence commenced with time; and it will continue till time shall be no more. How could God abandon the work of his hands? The idea is absurd; highly dishonourable to the name and character of the Deity; and a reproach to all who have entertained it. Men may cavil, but the Lord reigneth, and will for ever reign.

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I. God governs the world by his providence. Providence implies foresight; watchful care; and ample provision of every thing that may necessary for all dependent beings. In the divine administrations, it implies, that superintending care which the Creator exercises over the creation in his wise and equitable government; and includes all the great events, and the most minute occurrences, that take place in his wide dominions. If this be denied, it will follow, that his government is not perfect. But while we view him as the Maker of the world, with all

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