FEBRUARY XXIX. MOTIVES FOR CONFIDENCE IN GOD. WHEN I reflect on the infinite perfections which are manifested in the plan of the universe, and on the manner in which God conducts and governs it, my confidence in him must necessarily increase and strengthen more and more. How easy ought I to be, in regard to my life, since it is in the hands of that great Being, of whose power, wisdom, and goodness, I have as many proofs as there are creatures in my sight? What wishes can I form for my happiness, which may not be fulfilled by that God, whose unlimited power has been able to raise out of nothing so many millions of worlds? Are there any troubles, sorrows, or difficulties, from which I may not be happily drawn, by that infinite wisdom which has spread the heavens, and formed every creature in so wonderful a manner? What can hinder me from committing my way unto the Lord? What can prevent me from having recourse to him, in all my troubles and distresses, and from hoping that he will hear my prayer? It is true, that I am but a very weak creature ; I am lost in the vast multitude of his works; and when I represent to myself his greatness, and the infinite extent of his government, I often say to myself, Who am I, to dare to hope that this great Being will always listen to me, and that he will deign to cast his eyes on me, every time in my troubles, that I may have recourse to him? But, on the other hand, I comfort myself, when I consider that his greatness, his majesty, and the government of of so many millions of worlds, does not hinder him from extending his cares to the smallest worm : Why then may he not give some attention to me, who, though insignificant, have received from him, both as a man, and as a Christian, prerogatives much superior to other creatures? Here my conscience strikes me, and reproaches me with being a sinner, with having, a thousand and a thousand times, wilfully transgressed the commands of my Creator and Master; and, from thence, being, without comparison, more unworthy of his goodness than the lowest creatures, since they, at least, have not offended him, nor ever could be guilty of sin towards him. My conscience represents the justice of God to me, in as strong colours as the whole world paints to me his power and goodness. It makes me apprehend he may use his power, in giving me as a terrible example of his vengeance to the whole earth; and it is true, wherever I turn my eyes, I can no where find any relief from these dreadful thoughts, to quiet my agitated mind, or give me a just subject of consolation. But it is here that the salutary truths of the gospel come to my assistance. Eternal thanks to thee, O merciful Redeemer, for it. The knowledge of God, which, without thee, could not but trouble and affright me, is become, by thy sufferings and death, a source of joy and comfort to my soul. It is only through thee that I can look up to this God, whose greatness all the world proclaims; that I can, I say, look up to him as a father, put my trust in him, and hope that he will grant me happiness, not only in this life, but to all eternity. VOL. I. MARCH MARCH I. AN INVITATION TO CONTEMPLATE GOD IN O YE who adore with me the Lord, by whom the heavens and the earth were made, come and reflect on his works! Behold the wonders he has done! Acknowledge, and have a lively sense of his mercies! Of all the knowledge we can acquire, this is the most important, the most easy and agreeable. We could dispense with many sciences which we take such pains to learn; but the knowledge of God and his works is absolutely necessary, if we wish to fulfil the end of our creation, and by that means secure our happiness here and hereafter. We do well, undoubtedly, to seek to know God, such as he has revealed himself to us in his divine word: But we shall not receive that revelation with an entire conviction of heart, if we do not join to it this other revelation, by which he has made himself manifest to us throughout all nature, as our Lord, our Father, and Benefactor. It is the best preparation to understand, and to receive as we ought, the gospel of Jesus Christ, for this reason, because, in teaching his disciples the truths of religion, the Divine Redeemer often spoke of the works of nature, and made use of the objects which the physical and moral world afford, to lead his hearers to reflections on spiritual and heavenly things. In general, it is a noble employment, and well worthy of man, to study the book of nature continually; to learn in it the truths which may remind us of the immense greatness of God, and our own littleness; his blessings, and the obliga tions tions they impose on us. It is shameful for man to be inattentive to the wonders which surround him on every side, and to be as insensible to them as the brutes are. If reason has been given to us, it is, that we may make use of, it in acknowledging the perfections of God in his works. What employment can be more pleasing to the human mind than meditations on the admirable works of the Most High! To contemplate, in the heavens, the earth, the waters, the night and day, in a word, throughout all nature, the wisdom, power, and goodness of our Creator and Preserver! What can be conceived more delightful than to discover in the whole creation, in all the natural world, in every thing we see, traces of the providence and tender mercies of the Father of all beings! There are no amusements, no worldly joys, of which we are not soon tired. But the pleasure we feel in contemplating the works of the Lord is a pleasure ever new. And were we to reflect upon them for a million of years, we should be so little tired of the employment, that we should, on the contrary, find new charms in it. It is in this light I often represent to myself the felicity of the saints in heaven. I ardently wish to be with them, because I am persuaded it is in their society, in their blessed intercourse only, that my insatiable desire of increasing in knowledge and wisdom is to be satisfied. But, while we are still at a distance from this happiness, let us endeavour, at least, to come as near it as possible, by habituating ourselves now to what will be hereafter, and for evermore, the employment of all the blessed saints and angels. Let us adore God in his wonderful works. Let us endeavour more and more to be acquainted with him. Let us reflect on his greatness. Let us admire his power and wisdom in each of his creatures. And let us observe, in every season of the year, his goodness and tender mercies towards every being on earth. This employment will make us not only happy, but virtuous: For, if we have God and his works continually in our sight, with what love and veneration shall we not be penetrated? with what confidence shall we not resign ourselves to him? with what zeal and transport shall we not sing his praise? O God, who art so worthy of all adoration! I will continually reflect, with gratitude and veneration, on the wonders of thy power and wisdom, which fill the whole universe. I will raise myself from earth to heaven, by the chain of beings thou hast formed, in order to know thee, to feel, and to enjoy thy goodness. Every thing around me, every thing within myself, will serve to lead me to thee as the source of all; every thing will more and more contribute to inflame me with love and piety. These, O heavenly Father! are the engagements I make before heaven and earth, in presence of every creature thou hast formed.— This sun which shines upon me, this air which I breathe, this earth which bears me, and gives me food, all nature, so wisely framed for our wants and pleasures, shall one day rise as witnesses against me, if I neglect to contemplate and admire thy works. MARCH |