SERMON revolutions of the celestial bodies. Happy XX. for us if the contemplation shall nourish

*

that temper of habitual devotion, which so well becomes dependent beings, and is so intimately connected with all virtue * !

But the chief effect that ought to be produced by meditation on the Divine wisdom, is perfect resignation to the Governor of the universe, and entire trust in his administration. Our private misfortunes and disappointments are too often the subject of querulous complaints, and even of unjust suspicions of Providence. But when in the whole natural and moral world, we behold an arrangement of things which plainly discovers the most consummate wisdom, can we believe, that in the arrangement of our petty concerns, this wisdom is dormant and neglectful? How much more reason is there to think, that our ignorance of the Divine plans misleads our judgment, than that the wisdom of the Almighty has erred in directing our private affairs?-Divine wisdom, as I observed in the beginning, is an exertion of Divine benevolence. It

*See Serm. XIX. Vol. iii.

has,

XX.

has, it can have, no other scope than to SERMON accomplish the best ends by the most proper means. Let the wisdom therefore, and the goodness, of the Deity, be ever conjoined in our idea. Let every new discovery of Divine. wisdom, be a new ground of hope, of joy, and of cordial submission, to every virtuous man. him be thankful that he lives in a world, where nothing happens to him by chance, or at random; but where a great, a wise, and beneficient Mind continually superintends every event.

Let

Under the faith of this great principle of religion, let us proceed in the course of our duty, with steadfast and undismayed mind. Let us retain faithful allegiance to our Creator and our Redeemer and then we may always hope the best; and cast our care upon him who careth for Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Although thou sayest, thou canst not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.-Let us begin every undertaking with an humble dependence on his assistance for enabling us to prosecute it to Dd 4

us.

the

SERMON the end.

XX.

When our undertakings are finished, and the close of life approaches, with praise to him let us conclude all our labours,

Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

SERMON XXI.

The COMPASSION and BENEFICENCE of the DEITY.

[Preached before the Society for the Benefit of the Sons

of the Clergy of the Established Church of Scotland,

20th May 1766.]

JEREMIAH, xlix. 11.

Leave thy fatherless children; I will preserve them alive; and let thy widows trust in me.

N°

O subject is more open to general SERMON observation, or more confirmed by XXI. manifold experience, than the goodness of God. The contemplation of the universe, in which we dwell, presents it perpetually to our view. Amidst the vast

extent of creation, we discover no instance of mere pomp, or useless grandeur, but behold every thing contributing to the general good, and rendered subser

SERMON vient to the welfare of the rational or senXXI. sible world. In the administration of Providence, the same principle of beneficence is conspicuous. The seasons are made regularly to return, and the earth to flourish; supply is bountifully provided for the wants of all creatures; and numberless comforts are prepared to sweeten human life. Most justly is he who hath established, and who upholds, this admirable order of things, to be esteemed the Father of mercies: and, accordingly, in this view, he is often celebrated in Scripture. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. His tender mercies are over all his works. His mercy is great unto the heavens, and it endureth for ever.

It appears worthy of particular observation that there is one light, in which more frequently than in any other, the goodness of God is presented to us in the Sacred Writings, namely, the light of compassion to the distresses of mankind. Most of the situations are mentioned in which men are considered as most forlorn; and in some passages of Scripture, God is re presented as interesting himself, in a peculiar

I