that is important, whether to the preservation of the universe, or to the general good of mankind. This providence extends its care to the smaller, as well as to the greater objects; it nourishes the birds; it numbers the hairs of our heads. Jesus Christ, who speaks thus of providence, would teach us, that there is nothing, however minute, that is concealed from its notice, or exempted from its direction.

It is not unworthy God to extend his goodness, in the government of the world, as far as he extended his power when he created the world: but as his goodness, as well as his power, always accord with his wisdom, it is proper that he should proportion his care to the condition of his creatures; and, on that account, he has a particular regard for men, as being the most excellent of visible creatures. It is not in vain that he has placed in them an immortal spirit. It is not in vain that he has united that spirit with matter.

In the same sub

ject, we find, on one side, a celestial intelligence captivated, and, as it were, enchained; on the other, we meet with matter elevated, in some sort, to the condition of spirits, the movements of which are directed according to the rules of justice, and which publishes the praises of its creator. The nature of man marks his destination; and that destination, more excellent and noble than that of all other visible beings, gives him occasion to acknowledge that God, who watches over him with particular

particular attention. This also we are taught in the holy scripture.

In the first place, before all time, God has taken care of the salvation of men; and before they were born, he prepared for true believers, eternal felicity, and the means of their coming to that happiness. He also pre-ordained, with respect to every man, whatsoever should afterwards be his lot and portion in this world. Thus he has fixed to each, the term of his birth and that of his death, and determined all the estates and events through which he must pass during the course of his life. We should, therefore, refer to providence all the differences which are unexpectedly found in the conditions of men. It is owing to this, that some are loaded with prosperity, and live in abundance and pleasure, while others go through life in poverty and distress. It is owing to this, that some rejoice in health and strength, while others languish under pains and sickness. It is owing to this, that some are born of illustrious blood, that they have potent friends, and great means of advancing themselves in this world, while others seem to be buried in obscurity. It is this adorable and sovereign providence of God, which presides over all things, which disposes and dispenses the goods and evils of life, whether of body, of mind, or of condition. Men labor according to the will of God, who obliges them to be diligent, and gives them, for that purpose, strength and industry; but success does not depend on them; they never suc

ceed

ceed further than it pleases God to grant his blessing. But though his care for all men is manifest, he hath a peculiar care for his children. For with respect to them, grace is joined to providence; and, by a happy proportion of wisdom and mercy, God not only directs what touches them with efficacy, which he does also to others, but with love. It is by a particular providence that he guides them, as a father guides his children. They are not only under his eyes, but as in his arms; and all he does for them is done to make them feel and enjoy his love, and to procure for them substantial good.

These truths are certain; they are taught us in the holy scripture. The believer who considers the conduct of God towards the church in general, and to himself in particular, easily observes, that these events are managed in this manner; since they so well accord with those designs that God purposes to himself, and with the condition of those whom he is pleased to conduct; so that, while his providence remains concealed from the men of this world, under the order and connection of second causes, the believer is acquainted with it by sensible experience.

It is difficult to say, whether they who do not acknowledge divine providence are more blind, or miserable. But it is certain, that this doctrine is an excellent foundation of tranquillity and consolation, when we consider these truths in their full

extent,

extent, and make the proper improvement of them; which is, to acknowledge that all events in this world are always under divine dominion.

THE LEADING DESIGN OF THIS DISCOURSE

AND THE PRINCIPLES ON WHICH IT PROCEEDS.

In order to give an essay on providence, I shall take it for granted, that we acknowledge, "that whatever estate we may be in, not only that there is not a circumstance in it, which depends on hazard, and second causes, but also, that there is nothing in it, which God has not put there after the counsel of his own will."

This is a truth which confirms itself; for God necessarily conducts every thing with choice and with wisdom. Of all the conditions in the world, there is not one, where it had not been easy for God to have placed us; and, of all the events in life, whether good, or evil, there is not one, which it had not been easy for the Almighty to have brought upon us. That we are therefore, in that condition in which we now find ourselves, is, that among all the conditions in the world, God has chosen this for us, and placed us in it by design, as that in which he would be glorified by us.

To penetrate the better into this truth, we must consider, that besides the general design, which God proposes to himself of being glorified by

men,

mèn, he has a particular end to answer by each individual, making each man from his birth, subservient to some particular purpose, and to accommodate his life to a certain destination appointed for him from eternity. It is in this view of things, that Saint Paul said of himself, God separated me from my mother's womb, to preach the gospel. This truth is extended even to reprobates: witness what God said to Pharaoh, by Moses; And in very deed, for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee, my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth. It is the same with all men; each has his particular vocation from God. Besides the general duty of sanctification, he is called to serve in some manner, to the good of civil society, or of the church; and it is with a view to this particular end, that God brought him into this world, and makes use of him. It is a kind of task which God has prescribed him; he preserves his life to perform that task, and when it is finished, he retires from the world, agreeably to what is said of David, that after he had served his own generation, by the will of God, fell on sleep.

This consideration throws a light on what we have said, "That it is with choice and counsel, that God assembles and assorts, all the circumstances which meet in the condition of every man." For, in order that each individual, may be subservient to his design, it is necessary that God should place him in a state proportioned to his purpose, and

that