We may daily see this,
1. In the dealings of his providence —
[He consulted not any of his creatures how long a space of time he should occupy in completing the work of creation ; or how many orders of creatures he should form. He could as easily have perfected the whole at once, as in six days ; or have endued every thing with a rational or angelic nature, as he could diversify their endowments in the marvellous way that he has done. But he acted in all things " according to the counsel of his own will." When it pleased him to destroy the works of his hands on account of their multiplied iniquities, why did he preserve a wicked Ham, when millions no worse than he were overwhelmed in the mighty waters? But to speak of things that have passed since the deluge — Who has ordered the rise and fall of nations ? Who has raised or de- pressed the families of men ? Who has given to individuals their measure of bodily or intellectual strength, or ordered the number of their days on earth ? Is not this the Lord ? Who is it that gives us fruitful seasons, or causes drought and pestilence and famine to oppress the world? " Is there either good or evil in the city, and the Lord hath not done it ?"
If it be thought that these different events are regulated according to the moral state of mankind, and that therefore they exemplify rather the equity than the sovereignty of God ; we would ask, What was the foundation of the distinction put between Esau and Jacob, together with their respective fami- lies? St. Paul particularly notices, that, when the prophecy in our text was delivered, " they were not yet born, nor had done any species of good or evil ; " and that the decree was delivered at that time, in order " that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that callethV It is clear therefore and indisputable that " he doeth according to his will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth, and that none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou1?"
2. In the dispensations of his grace —
[In the call of Abraham, and the separation of his seed for a peculiar people ; in distinguishing between his immediate sons, Ishmael and Isaac, as also between Isaac's sons, Esau and Jacob ; in giving to their posterity the revelation of his will, while the whole world were left to walk in their own ways ; in making yet further distinctions at this present moment, sending the light of his Gospel to a few of the Gentile nations, while all the rest are permitted to sit in darkness and the shadow of
h Rom. ix. 11. » Dan. iv. 35.