188 REFLECTIONS. 



numbers of the destroyers of our food, neither 

 does the great provision of the gospel hinder 

 the agency of /man, and the diligent use of 

 means. On the contrary it encourages them, 

 provided only that they be in entire subservi- 

 ency to the one great principle, and confidence 

 in the efficacy thereof, under whatever form 

 we present our modes of action to the objects 

 we design to effect. Supreme confidence in 

 the great remedy does not in any degree mani- 

 fest itself by cessation from activity, but it 

 rather signifies upon what grounds we may 

 most effectually exert ourselves to do good. 

 And in nothing does the wisdom of God in 

 Christ more abundantly appear, than in ac- 

 commodating this beautiful law of action not 

 only to this or that particular society of men, 

 but to the benefit of all mankind in all the 

 variety of climates, countries, and habits in 

 which they may be found. If he had framed 

 this method of counteracting evil and restoring 

 the lost happiness of man for one nation alone, 

 it would have been an evidence of a particular 

 wisdom, but in the suitability of the gospel 

 to ameliorate the present state, and se- 

 cure the future bliss of his fallen creature in 

 all lands where the gospel comes, he has exhi- 



