54â. THE RELIGIOUS IMPROVEMENT 2. Those who disregard the word of God in the events of human life, " they deprive the great God him- self of that honour which he demands and expects, espe- cially from his more important providences." Do not his sublime wisdom, his extensive goodnessand his almighty power, display themselves gloriously in his providential government of mankind ? And is it not with this design, that his intelligent creature man should take notice of this display of his glories ? To what purpose are all the manifestations of his mercy and of his judgment among men, if the sons of Adam disregard them all ? Will not the stipreme Governor of the world resent such a stupid- and sottish conduct ? Does the great God write his own name in every leaf of his two great volumes of nature and providence, and shall his creature man take no notice of it, and refuse to read it ? Will he for ever bear with crea- tures that neglect to take notice of the name and works of their almighty Maker ? 3,, " They bereave themselves of the rich advantages that may be derived from such converse with God about the events of human life." Ifwe were but wise and curi- ous observers of the conduct of providence, what divine experiments might we obtain of the wisdom and of the grace of God ? And lay up a treasure of sweet and solid foundations for encduragement and hope in days to come ? The royal Psalmist assures us of blessed advan- tages to be derived from a skilful notice of divine provi- dences ; Ps. cvii. 43. " Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kind- ness of the Lord." They who learn to know his name,, by a wise attendance to his works, will put their trust in him;" Ps. ix. 10. If we overlook the hair=l of the Almighty in the events of human life, we lose '.inchof the spiritual profit of aw- ful and afflictive- provicicnces, and much of the sweetness of temporal mercies. Such a sinful neglect will also lead us by degrees toa wafui omissionof our daily duties, and bring us into great danger of degeneracy, and backslid- ing, into a catnap and worldly frame of spirit Whereas if we Make it our business to Watch the hand of God in' the occurrences of the world,_ this is indeed living by faith, " as seeing him. that is invisible ;" lieb. xi: f27. and we are much better prepared by such a converse with'
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=