Psalm 78:7-8 That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:… I. SHOW WHAT IS IMPLIED IN A DILIGENT OBSERVATION OF PROVIDENTIAL DISPENSATIONS. 1. A close investigation of the various steps of Providence towards us. 2. Attention to the temper of our hearts, to the dictates of conscience, and to the motions of the Holy Spirit, which concur with these dispensations. 3. An accurate trial of the meaning of all dispensations by the infallible standard of revelation. 4. An earnest desire of perceiving God's design as of a loving nature. 5. A faithful recording of these dispensations. II. ILLUSTRATE SOME OF THE DECEITS PRACTISED BY THE HEART, IN ORDER TO PREVENT A DILIGENT OBSERVATION OF PROVIDENTIAL DISPENSATIONS. 1. It entices us to indifference about practical religion. 2. It represents them as uncertain. 3. It represents many events as trifling and unworthy of attention. 4. It opposes this exercise, as if it unavoidably tended to enthusiasm. 5. It is represented as a great bondage to ourselves. 6. The heart may perhaps plead that this course is neglected by many who are as good Christians as we. III. ADVERT TO THE DESIGNS OF THE DECEITFUL HEART IN DISSUADING US FROM OBSERVING DIVINE DISPENSATIONS. 1. It wishes to deprive God of the glory resulting from this exercise. 2. By this inexcusable negligence the delusive heart designs to deprive believers of much real comfort. There are two channels in which the Lord communicates consolation to His people. These are His Word and Providence. But we lose much of our comfort if we keep these separate. (1) Diligent observation would eminently open up the mystery of Providence. (2) It tends to increase a holy fear of God. (3) It is an illustrious means of discovering Divine love. (4) It tends greatly to strengthen faith. (5) It is a great inducement to live closely with God. (6) This practice must throw great light on the evil of sin, by discovering providential frowns and chastisements for those parts of our conduct that might otherwise appear trivial. IV. SUGGEST SOME MOTIVES FOR ENCOURAGING CHRISTIANS TO THIS EXERCISE. 1. The command of God (Deuteronomy 4:9). 2. God has pledged His faithfulness for the success of this work. 3. The example of the saints. 4. The consideration of God's constant and tender remembrance of you may encourage you to this exercise. 5. The recollection of former mercies will afford you an argument with God for renewed instances of His love. V. CONCLUDING CAUTIONS. 1. Beware of making Providence the rule of your conduct. This would be to put it in the place of the world, which is not merely the principal, but the only rule. 2. Judge not of providential dispensations by their outward aspect. 3. In all your observation of Divine providence, still remember that the ways of God are unsearchable. His judgments are a great deep. 4. Beware of forming a rash judgment with respect to God's designs. "He that believeth h shall not make haste." 5. Be especially on your guard against harsh and uncharitable judgment. (J. Jamieson, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments:WEB: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments, |
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