The Madisonian. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1837-1845, 1839-06-15
THE GOODNESS OF GOD IN CREATION

For what purpose did the infinite Creator give
existence 10 this majestic monument OF his almighty
power2 For what purpose did he create the earth
aud the heavens, with all their unnu ubered hosts
Was il not, evidently that he might C 'mmuncate
happiness; and does not this design appear conspi-
cuuus the open face OF nature What Is The
plain and unequivocal indicltion Of all those marks
of infinite wis fon and skiui contrivance, in the
general dispositions and in all the parts oi surround
ing naurel i Il not that the Creator OF all things
is infinitely good Is there not display Of Infinite
goodness In the regular and harmonious disposition
OF The heavenly orbs4 Instead OF this beautiful
order why was there not the most horrible confu>on2
Instead OF this benignant harmony Of the spheres
why there not perpetual jar, and The most dis
astrous conclusion
Is there not display Of infinite goodness in the
grandeur and beauty Of the creation,-so iavorably
adapted 10 elevate, 10 inspire with admiration, and
to fill with the purest pleasure, The devout ana con-
tempative mind Why was not The whole creation
so fo med as only to excite amaZement, terror, and
despair Is there mol display Of Infinite goodness
in the beautiful scenery of our globe, agreeably
diversified with continent and seas islands and lakes
mountains and plains, hills aud valleys, adapted TO
various beneficial purposes, and Astounding with pro-
ducions in endless variety, Ter the convenience, the
support, and the happiness OF its diversified inhab
tauts. Why was MOI the whole earth like the burn
ing sands OF Lydia, or the rugged and frozen noun
tainS Of Zembal Why was Il not one wide dreary
waste producing only briers and lhorns, and poison
Gus or biuer fruiis2
Is there mol display OF infinite goodness in the
grateful vicissude of the seasons, each bearing
upon its bloom its peculiar delights the spring
rayed in the most BEAUTIFUL verdnre, and decor ted
with flowers; the summer Astounding with delightful
prospects, and teeming with luxurance; autumn
loaded with golden harvests, and The richest variety
Of fruits; and even winter supplying in social en-
oymentS and the nobler pleasures OF study and
temptation, what 1t lacks in external charms Why
was not the whole year one continued scene of dull
uniformity, or so irregular on il. changes, as utterly
to battle al! the calculations and arrangements, and
pursuits Of life Why was not every sight spec
acle Of horror, every sound shrek Of Distress
every sweet a most pungent bner, every gale blast
of pestilencei Is II not becaus. the Creator and
Preservcr OF the word is being OF infinite good
ness Z .
Is it not strange, that we do not constantly per-
ceiye the glory of God which the heavens DECLARE
and gratefully recognise his goodness, SO richly
spread abroad through all his works. Happy
happy 1t for u, did nature constantly appear
to Us as il really is, animated and enivened by the
presence Of its glorious AuIhor When The sun
rises sets in the heavens, when spring adons the
earth, when summer shines in its glory, when au
tumn pourS forth its fruits, or when winter returns
in It's awful forms, happy were il tor us, did we con
sanity view The. great Creator and Preserver Of all,
continually manitestng himselfn his various works!
Happy did meet his presence in the smiling
fields, feel his influence in the cheering ANS, hear
his voice in The whispering breeze, and taste
his goodness in every gift OF nature and providence
Haypy did we feel ourselves every where surround
ed with the glory OF that universal Spirit, who fills,
pervadeS and eniivens all and did we live in the
world, in a great and august temple where the
pr sence Of the Divinity who inhabS il, fills the
mind with ave. and inspires the heart with devotion.
DR.. S. Worcester.