God's government, a ground of
joy. Charles Cillian, 1759-1836. Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent
reigns. Revelation chapter 19 verse 6. Most awful is the state of the
world at this time. Revolutions and counter-revolutions
are occurring in mighty kingdoms, and in rapid succession, and
no one can foresee what their end shall be. But it is a sweet
consolatory thought, that God reigns, and is accomplishing
his own designs by these unconscious and unwitting agents. In the
rise and fall of the four great empires, God wrought his own
sovereign and unerring will. Cyrus Little thought whose instrument
he was, in the subversion of the Chaldean Empire. Nor did
the mighty conquerors, who, in succession, reduced the Persian,
Grecian, and Roman empires, know whose decrees they executed,
or whose purposes they fulfilled. Just so, at this time, contending
nations little imagined that there is one on high who makes
use of them for the effecting of his own purposes, and who
will infallibly direct their ambitious and selfish projects
for the attainment of His own ends. Nothing can appear more
independent of the Deity than winds and storms, yet they, all
of them without exception, fulfill His will, and truly this may
well compose our minds, in relation to the outcome of these events.
And while others are filled with terrors, we may calmly and confidently
say, Alleluia! for the Lord God Omnipotent reigns.
There will doubtless be many adverse circumstances, which,
at the time, will prove very afflictive to us. But we must
never forget, that, however fortuitous they may appear, or with whatever
hostile intention they may be contrived, they are all ordered
by entering wisdom and unbounded love. And, however bitter they
may be, we should say, the cup which my father has given me,
shall I not drink it? We should remember, that, though
clouds and darkness surround about him, righteousness and
judgment are the foundation of his throne. Jacob's complaint,
All these things are against me. was far from being justified
by the outcome, for the very events which he complained of,
were the means ordained for the preservation of his whole family.
Only bear in mind, that God rules on high, and then, whatever may
occur, you will say, It is the Lord, let him do what seems good
to him. Discern the hand of God in everything,
and your mouth will be ever filled with praise. What is painful,
will be received as a token of his love. What is pleasing, will
be received as a fruit of his favor. But, above all, the security
which will be felt in the soul, and that in the midst of this
tumultuous and ensnaring world methinks, in the contemplation
of this, a man's songs of praise should be as loud and constant
as those in heaven. Dear brethren, think of this.
Nothing is done which does not proceed from the hand of God,
nor shall anything be done which shall not work together for your
good. Rejoice then, and shout for joy
and let your alleluias go forth unto your God day and night.
1. See then, beloved, what ground we have in this passage, for
submission. There will doubtless be many
adverse circumstances, which, at the time, will prove very
afflictive to us. But we must never forget, that,
however random they may appear, or with whatever hostile intention
they may be contrived, they are all ordered by entering wisdom
and unbounded love. And, however bitter they may
be, we should say, the cup which my father has given me, shall
I not drink it? We should remember, that, though
clouds and darkness surround about him, righteousness and
judgment are the basis of his throne. Jacob's complaint, all
these things are against me, was far from being justified
by the outcome, for the very events which he complained of,
were the means ordained for the preservation of his whole family.
Only bear in mind, that God rules on high, and then, whatever may
occur, you will say, It is the Lord, let Him do what seems good
to Him. 2. See what ground we have in
this passage, for gratitude. Discern the hand of God in everything,
and your mouth will be ever filled with praise. What is painful,
will be received as a token of His love. What is pleasing, will
be received as a fruit of His favour. But, above all, the security
which will be felt in the soul, and that in the midst of this
tumultuous and ensnaring world. Methinks, in the contemplation
of this, a man's songs of praise should be as loud and constant
as those in heaven. Dear brethren, think of this,
nothing is done, which does not proceed from the hand of God,
nor shall anything be done. which shall not work together
for your good. Rejoice then, and shout for joy
and let your hallelujahs go forth unto your God day and night.
3. See what ground we have in this passage, for comfort. Put
yourselves, and all your concerns, into the hands of your Almighty
Friend. Fear not, though all the men
on earth, and all the fiends in hell, should be confederate
against you. If you cannot comprehend God's
dealings with you now, be content, and say, What I know not now,
I shall know hereafter. Wait, too, see the end of the
Lord, and if, like Job, you are afflicted now, expect that, like
him, you shall before long see reason to glorify your God for
all His dispensations. however dark, however afflictive. Of this you may be assured, that
those who wait on Him shall find Him ready to help, and, those
who trust in Him shall not be ashamed or confounded world without
end. Alleluia. For the Lord God Omnipotent
reigns. Revelation Chapter 19 verse 6