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I. To prove that the providence of God extends to all human affairs; and —

II. To point out the practical uses we should make of this doctrine.

I. Let us establish, by reference to the Scriptures, this great and important truth, THAT THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD IS UNIVERSAL; that it extends to all creatures and things throughout the whole world; but, as that concerns us most, especially to all human affairs. By the providence of God, we mean His preserving and governing all His creatures, and all their actions.

1. This appears even from the light of nature. It seems necessarily to follow from His being the Creator of the world; for it is reasonable to believe, that He who made all things, governs all things (Romans 1:18-21; Acts 14:17). The existence of God, a Being of infinite power and wisdom and goodness, obliges us to believe that He will take care of His creatures.

2. But we have clearer light and fuller proof of this from the Bible, God's own revelation of Himself. There we read that God is the great Preserver. What shall I do unto Thee," said holy Job, "O thou Preserver of men!" (Job 7:20). And the psalmist exclaims, "How excellent is Thy loving kindness, O God I therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Thy wings. O Lord, thou preservest man and beast" (Psalm 36:6, 7). And in the book of Nehemiah, the good providence of God is celebrated in these exalted strains: "Thou, even Thou, art Lord alone; Thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and Thou preservest them all!" (Nehemiah 9:6). The predictions of future events, and their fulfilment, of both which the Scriptures afford very numerous instances, furnish us with another proof of the reality of a Divine Providence; for if God did not govern the world, He could not foretell what would come to pass. God forewarned Noah of the flood 120 years before it came. He foretold the bondage of Israel in Egypt; how long it should last, and how they should be delivered. The captivity of Judah was foretold long before it happened; how many years it should continue; by whom, and by what means the people should be restored, and the temple rebuilt. All the circumstances relating to the birth, life, sufferings, death, and resurrection of Christ were exactly predicted. God, who preserves all creatures, governs them also. He does not commit the management of the world to deputies, as many of the heathen supposed. "The Lord reigneth." "He increaseth the nations, and destroyeth them: He enlargeth the nations, and straiteneth them again. He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle. He leadeth princes away spoiled, and over-throweth the mighty" (Job 12:18, 19, 23). The providence of God is to be owned in the affairs of families (Psalm 68:6; Psalm 107:41). Nor are individuals beneath His notice, as the text plainly imports; not even the least of their concerns, "for the very hairs of their head are all numbered".; consequently all their more important concerns. Even as to those events which we call contingent, or accidental, even they are under the direction and control of the Almighty (Proverbs 16:33). This providence of God, the existence of which we have clearly proved.

(1) It is sovereign and uncontrollable. Who hath resisted, who can resist, His will?

(2) It is wise. "His work is perfect, all His ways are judgment." He cannot err: He cannot be deceived or mistaken.

(3) It is mysterious. "Clouds and darkness are round about Him."(4) Always good. "Truly, God is good to Israel." "His eyes," directing all human affairs, "run to and fro throughout the earth"; and for what purpose? "To show Himself strong" in behalf of all that fear and love His name. Yes, assuredly; for all "things work together for the good" of His people.

II. We now proceed to the second part of the subject; namely, TO POINT OUT THE PRACTICAL USES WE OUGHT TO MAKE OF THE DOCTRINE OF PROVIDENCE. This doctrine is, in truth, connected with the whole of practical religion. Take away providence, and you destroy the whole system of godliness, and leave no room for prayer or praise.

1. Let us stand in awe of the great Ruler of the world. Do His eyes behold, His eyelids try the children of men? Is He in every place, beholding the evil and the good? In His hand is our breath and all our ways? Who, then, shall not fear Him? who shall not tremble at His presence?

2. Let us rejoice that the reins of universal government are in the hands of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and our Lord — of Him who is our Mediator, our Redeemer, our Brother, and our Friend.

3. The doctrine of providence shows the propriety and utility of prayer; it affords the strongest motive, and the best encouragement to that duty.

4. The doctrine of providence shows the propriety of offering to God the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

5. It shows the propriety of submission to the will of God. Does the Lord rule? Submit to His government.

6. Improve the doctrine of Divine Providence, as a remedy against anxiety.

7. Finally: let this subject lead our minds forward towards the future and eternal world.

(G. Burder.)

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KJV: Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God?

WEB: "Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.