be highly unjust and unreasonable to suppose that those laws with which we are unacquainted are not calculated to answer the same benevolent intentions. Such a supposition would be in the highest degree absurd: and I am firmly convinced, that the more we are acquainted with the works of God, the deeper our philosophical researches are made, the more fully shall we be grounded in a belief that, that glorious Being who made the universe, and by whose laws it continues to be governed, is perfectly benevolent.

These arguments for the Goodness of God coincide with what Dr. Paley has said on the same subject. He says the Goodness of God rests upon two propositions, each of which is capable of being made out by observations, which are drawn from the appearances of nature.

The first is that in a vast plurality of instances in which contrivance is per

ceived, the design of the contrivance is beneficial.

The second, that the Deity has superadded pleasure to animal sensations beyond what was necessary for any other purpose, or when the purpose, so far as it was necessary, might have been effected by the operation of pain. These propositions he has illustrated by a variety of facts which are deserving our attention. But complete satisfaction on this most important of all subjects is derived from the Scriptures. They every where assert the Goodness of God. They expressly inform us that "He is good to all, and that his tender mercies are over all his works." And in this short sentence has the Apostle John expressed every thing that the heart of man can desire. "God is Love." By following this truth into all its consequences, of which we are too much afraid, we shall derive not only comfort and consolation, but satisfaction and happiness in every scene of our existence.

And the gift of Jesus Christ, by which the connection between this and a future and eternal state is established, solves every difficulty, and completely "vindieates the ways of God to man." The duties owing to God from this view of his character, will hereafter be more particularly considered. Suffice it, at present, to make this general application of the subject.

Firmly persuaded of the perfect goodness of God, let us love Him with all our heart, soul, and strength; cheerfully obey all his commandments; resign ourselves and all our concerns to the care of his Providence, and ascribe unto Him, all honour and glory, dominion and power both now and for ever.

LECTURE XXXVIII.

THE importance of forming right sen timents of the Perfections, Providence and Government of God has, in these Lectures, been frequently insisted upon. With a view to check our inquiries into this most interesting subject, it has, I know, been asserted by some, that the Divine perfections are what the human mind cannot understand, as being not only superior in degree, but also different in kind, from what is considered as excellent and amiable among men. Convinced I am that the cause of Religion has sustained no inconsiderable injury from such representation. It is true, on account of our weakness and inability to take in the whole of the Divine Administration, we cannot always reconcile

particular events with those perfections which the general laws of nature as well as the declarations of Scripture and the account there given of the dealings of God to mankind teach us to ascribe

to the Supreme Being. We are still, however, able to conceive of Power, Wisdom, and Goodness into which all excellence, which can only be natural, intellectual, and moral, may be ultimately resolved. If we have no conception of these qualities; or if they are not the same in God as in man, to what purpose is it to be informed that the Being we worship possesses them in the highest degree? It is only telling us, in other words, that He is the infinite unknown. And in this case, instead of delighting in the contemplation of his character, loving Him for his excellencies, and celebrating the praises of his Name, perfect silence would be the most proper devotion. But besides being informed in Scripture of the character of God, we are exhorted to follow on to know Him;