Alexandria Gazette

The Goodness of God in Creation.—For what purpose did the infinite Creator give existence to this majestic monument of his almighty power: For what purpose did he create the earth and the heavens, with all their unnumbered hosts? Was it not, evidently, that he might communicate happiness; and does not this design appear conspicuous on the open face of nature? What is the plain and unequivocal indication of all infinite wisdom and skilful contrivance in the general dispositions, and in all the parts of surrounding nature: Is it not, that the Creator of all things is infinitely good? Is there not a display of infinite goodness in the regular and harmonious disposition of the heavenly orbs? Instead of this beautiful order, why was there not the most horrible confusion?—Instead of this benignant harmony of the spheres why was there not a perpetual jar, and the most disastrous collision?

Is there not a display of infinite goodness in the grandeur and beauty of the creation, so favorably adapted to elevate, to inspire with admiration, and to fill with the purest pleasure, the devout and contemplative mind Why was not the whole creation so formed as only to excite amazement, terror, and despair? Is there not a display of infinite goodness in the beautiful scenery of our globe, —so agreeably diversified with continent and seas, islands and lakes, mountains and plains, hills and valleys, adapted to various beneficial purposes, and abounding with productions, in endless variety, for the convenience, the support and the happiness, of its diversified inhabitants. Why was not the whole earth like the burning sands of Libya, or the rugged and frozen mountains of Zembla? Why was not one wild dreary waste, producing only briers and thorns, and poisonous or bitter fruits?

Is there not a display of infinite goodness in the grateful vicissitudes of the seasons; each bearing upon its bloom its peculiar delight, the spring arrayed in the most beautiful verdure, and decorated with flowers: the summer abounding with delightful prospects, and teeming with luxuriance: autumn loaded with golden harvests, and the richest variety of fruits; and even winter supplying in social enjoyments and the nobler pleasures of study and contemplation, what it lacks in external charms Why was not the whole year one continued scene of dull uniformity, or so singular in its changes, as utterly to baffle all the calculations, and arrangement, and pursuits of life Why was not every sight a spectacle of horror every sound a shriek of distress, every stream a most pungent bitter, every gale a blast pestilence? Is it not because the Creator and Preserver of the world is a being of infinite goodness?

Is it not strange, that we do not constantly perceive the glory of God, which the Heavens declare, and gratefully recognize his goodness so richly spread abroad through all his works? Happy, happy, were it for us, did nature constantly appear to us, as it really is, animated and enlivened by the presence of its glorious author! When the sun rises or sets in the heavens, when spring adorns the earth when summer shines in its glory, when autumn pours forth its fruits, or when winter returns in its awful forms, happy were it for us, did we constantly view the great creator and preserver of all, continually manifesting himself in his various works! Happy did we meet his presence in the smiling fields, feel his influence in the cheering beams hear his voice even in the whispering breeze, and taste his goodness in every gift of nature and providence! Happy did we feel ourselves everywhere surrounded with the glory of that universal Spirit, who fills pervades, and enlivens all: and did we live in the world, as in a great and august temple where the presence of the divinity who inhabits it, fills the mind with awe, and inspires the heart with devotion.

Dr. J. Worcester.