Population Regulated by Providence

    It is remarkable that the beginning of the history of Abraham's family by Isaac was distinguished by providential delays and hindrances to the increase of their numbers, while the other descendants were exceedingly multiplied and prosperous. The fathers of the promised numerous seed for a long time had no issue; and, at last, like the house of Ulysses, were confined to a single heir. Abraham was an old man before he was the father of Isaac, Isaac was a man of forty when he thought of a wife, and Jacob, though at last he was teased with the perplexities of a numerous polygamy, was upwards of seventy before he married. All this appears very strange to the carnal eye, looking at the fact in the same view with the former. But it is quite consistent with the ways of Providence, and manifests more clearly that the thing promised, when effected, has been effected by God. Till the term appointed for the seed of Abraham to enter into the possession of Canaan, there was no need of a very numerous progeny. Providence, therefore, did not increase the population. But when the time of putting them in possession of the promised land drew nigh, God altered his procedure, and Israel increased with great rapidity: "But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt."

    Malthus and the political economists may attempt to regulate population. So did Pharaoh. But they may as well attempt to regulate the winds. It is God who increases or diminishes the number of the inhabitants of the earth. It is impious in any government, by legislative enactments, to interfere with that which solely belongs to the prerogative of the Creator. Are rulers to deal with the human race as with cattle; and raise no more than the number for which they can find a market? Let men turn to God through the knowledge of his Son, and there will be no longer a complaint of dearth, scarcity, or famine. "Then shall the earth yield her increase, and God, even our God, shall bless us."