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ESSAY SECOND.

HOWEVER delighted we may be while we contemplate the perfections of deity as displayed in the world of nature, it would instantly bring a dreadful gloom over our minds, were we once to admit that, though these footsteps of intelligence demonstrate that God was once present, yet he is no longer here: he was satisfied with the consciousness of having "done all things well;" and he has retired from his works, to felicitate himself in the mysteries of his infinite essence in some remote part of his vast dominions, and no longer takes an interest in the concerns of this lower world. The prevailing belief of all nations and of all ages; the positive declarations of the Sacred Scriptures; the events which are daily transpiring; the regard which God has to the welfare of his creatures, and the glory of his own name-all forbid this supposition, and confirm the cheering doctrine, that "His kingdom ruleth over all."

THE TERM DEFINED-DIVISION OF THE SUBJECT.

The term "PROVIDENCE," means simply the divine government, or the agency which God exerts to accomplish his purposes. It includes, also, what he permits to take place by the agency of other beings, as well as what he brings to pass by the immediate interposition of his own. I apply this definition in its most general sense; and regard the physical and moral universe as being under the providential government of God, and subject to the control of his sovereign will. To investigate so vast an empire, subject to the perpetual superintendence of a Being so glorious, cannot fail to afford the highest entertainment and instruction to every thinking mind. To attempt a development of every indication of wisdom which it contains, would be vain: a few general outlines is all that I shall promise. Its full scope will be the theme of Eternity, and the delightful employment of intellect in its highest state of existence.

I shall view the whole subject under three general arrangements; and, first, consider the NATURAL, secondly, the MORAL, and thirdly, the PROVIDENTIAL, Government of God. The first will lead us to investigate the laws under which physical bodies act; the second will render it necessary to inquire into the manner in which God governs intelligent agents; and, under the third, I shall explain his government of

events.

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Part First.

THE

GOVERNMENT OF NATURE.

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