mire it in the revolutions of the celef

tial bodies. Happy for us, if the contemplation fhall nourish that temper of habitual devotion, which fo well becomes dependent beings, and is fo intimately connected with all virtue.*

But the chief effect that ought to be produced by meditation on the divine wisdom, is perfect refignation to the Governor of the universe, and entire trust in his adminiftration. Our private misfortunes and difappointments are too often the fubject of querulous complaints, and even of unjuft fufpicions of Providence. But when in the whole natural and moral world, we behold an arrangement of things which plainly discovers the most confummate wisdom, can we believe, that in the arrangement of our petty concerns, this wisdom is dormant and neglectful? How much more reafon is there to think, that our ignorance of the divine plans misleads our judgment, than that

*See Serm, xix. Vol. iii,

the

SERM.

XX.

XX.

SERM. the wisdom of the Almighty has erred in directing our private affairs?-Divine wisdom, as I obferved in the beginning, is an exertion of divine benevolence. It has, it can have, no other scope than to accomplish the best ends, by the most proper means. Let the Wisdom, therefore, and the Goodnefs, 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 fubmiffion, to every virtuous man. Let him be thankful that he lives in a world, where nothing happens to him by chance, or at random; but where a great, a wife, and beneficent Mind continually fuperintends every event.

Under the faith of this great principle of religion, let us proceed in the courfe of our duty, with ftedfast and undismayed mind. Let us retain faithful allegiance to our Creator and our Redeemer; and then we may always hope the best; and caft our care upon him who careth for us. Wait on the

XX.

Lord; be of good courage, and He fhall SERM. Strengthen your heart. Although thou fayeft, thou canst not fee him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.- Let us begin every undertaking, with humble dependence on his affiftance for enabling us to profecute it to the end. 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, invifible, the only Wife God, be honour and glory for ever and ever.

Amen.

FINI S.