And

the fame time, that, there is a hand much bufier in human affairs than what we vainly calculate; which though the projectors of this world overlook,-or at least make no allowance for in the formation of their plans, they generally find in the execution of them. though the fatalift may urge, that every event in this life is brought about by the ministry and chain of natural causes, -yet, in answer, let him go one step higher-and confider,-whole power it is, that enables these causes to work,whose knowledge it is, that foresees what will be their effects,-whofe goodnefs it is, that is invifibly conducting them forwards to the beft and greatest ends for the happiness of his creatures.

So that, as a great reafoner justly dif tinguishes, upon this point,-" It is not only religiously speaking, but with the ftri&teft and moft philofophical truth of expreffion, that the fcripture tells us, that GOD commandeth the ravens,-that they are his directions which the winds and the feas obey. If his fervant hides

himself by the brook, fuch an order, caufes and effects fhall be laid,-that the fowls of the air fhall minifter to his support. When this refource fails, and his prophet is directed to go to Zarephath, for that he has commanded a widow woman there to fuftain him,the fame hand which leads the prophet to the gate of the city,-fhall lead forth the diftreffed widow to the fame place, to take him under her roof, and tho' upon the impulfe of a different occafion, fhall nevertheless be made to fulfil his promise and intention of their mutual preservation."

Thus much for the truth and illuftration of this great and fundamental doctrine of a Providence; the belief of which is of fuch confequence to us, as to be the great fupport and comfort of our lives.

Juftly therefore might the Pfalmift upon this declaration, that the Lord is King-conclude, that the earth may be glad therefore, yea the multitude of the ifles may be glad thereof.

May God grant the perfuafion may make us as virtuous, as it has reason to make us joyful; and that it may bring forth in us the fruits of good living, to his praise and glory!-to whom be all might, majefty, and dominion, now and for evermore. Amen.

SERMON IX.

The Character of Herod*.

MATTHEW II. 17, 18.

Then was fulfilled that which was fpoken by Jeremy the prophet, faying,-In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning; Rachael weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

THE words which St. Matthew cites here as fulfilled by the cruelty and ambition of Herod, -are in the 31st chapter of Jeremiah, the 15th verse. In the foregoing chapter, the prophet having declared GOD's intention of turning the mourning of his people into joy, by the restoration of the tribes which had been led away captive into Babylon; he proceeds, in the beginning of this chapter, which contains this prophecy, to give a more particular description of

Preached on Innocents Day.

the great joy and feftivity of that promised day, when they were to return once more to their own land, to enter upon their ancient poffeffions, and enjoy again all the privileges they had loft, and amongst others, and what was above them all, the favour and protection of GOD, and the continuation of his mercies to them and their pofterity.

To make therefore the impreffion of this change the stronger upon their minds -he gives a very pathetic reprefentation of the preceding forrow on that day when they were first led away captive.

Thus faith the Lord, A voice was heard in Rama; lamentation and bitter weeping, Rachael weeping for her children, refused to be comforted, because they were not.

To enter into the full fenfe and beauty of this defcription, it is to be remembered that the tomb of Rachael, Jacob's beloved wife, as we read in the 35th of Genefis, was fituated near Rama, and betwixt that place and Bethle hem. Upon which circumftance the