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I. THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNIVERSE ARE UNDER THE INTELLIGENT DIRECTION OF THE GREAT GOD. The universe is here represented as in action. There is nothing stationary; all things are full of labour. The universe is not a self-acting machine, left to itself to work out. The great Machinist is ever with it, observing and directing every motion. This fact serves several important purposes.

1. To account for the unbroken order of nature.

2. To impress us with the sanctity of nature.

3. To inspire us with reverence towards the greatness of God.

II. THAT THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNIVERSE ARE GENERALLY CONDUCTED ON THE MEDIATORY PRINCIPLE. "I will hear the heavens," etc. Look at this mediatory principle in its relation to man —

1. As a material being. How did we receive these corporeal frames: how are they sustained; how are they broken up?

2. As a spiritual being. How does knowledge come to man? He has teachers.

III. THE OPERATIONS OF THE UNIVERSE ARE MERCIFULLY SUBORDINATED TO THE INTERESTS OF THE GOOD. Jezreel, or the children of God, receive from God three things.

1. The blessings they devoutly sought.

2. The multiplication of their number.

3. The heightening of the sympathy between them and God. "I will call them My people."

(Homilist.)

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KJV: And it shall come to pass in that day, I will hear, saith the LORD, I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth;

WEB: It will happen in that day, I will respond," says Yahweh, "I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth;