Discourses on the Providence and Government of God (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1811. Excerpt: ... DISCOURSE SECOND. Lamentations ui. 37. WHO IS HE THAT SAITH, AND IT COMETH TO PASS) WHEN. THE LQSD COMMAUUETH IT NOT? For the-better improvement of this subject, we might now proceed to confirm the doctrine of the text, by considering in general, what reason teaches, and what Scripture superadds Unto her teachings, concerning the providenceand government of God: and hence we might pass on to inquire, what influence such a doctrine ought' to have upon the temper of our hearts, and the conduct of our lives. But these are topics, which it is my intention to discuss more at large, in some future discourses on this, text; at present I shall confine myself to the following reflections. 1. FfiOM what you have already heard, we are naturally led to observe, that to foreknow, and to foretel futurities, is a proper and peculiar characteristic of divinity. It is the prerogative of God. It is as much beyond the power of an uninspired mortal to discover, as it is beside his duty, curiously to pry into what shall be hereafter. The knowledge of futurity must proceed from one of the following principles, or both: it must arise from a clear and complete survey of all the causes which are at present subsisting in the universe; from the perfect knowledge of their strength and efficacy; and an infallible discernment of the effects that will result from their combination or opposition; or, it must have for its foundation the power of controlling all causes, and regulating all events; and a steady determination, that, at any rate, and' by any means, natural, if it may be, or supernatural, if that be necessary, the event foretold shall be brought to pass according to the circumstances of the prediction. Without one, or both of these pre-requisites, there can-: be no foreknowledg...