in any of our concerns or experiences, we fail to trace the mercy of God, it is, for the most part, because we do not sufficiently seek it out; because we are resting in our own short-sighted views; because we are “walking by sight and not by faith,” in “the flesh and not in the spirit;” desiring benefit in our own ways, and not humbly discerning the ways of the Lord; impatient under the means, and not considering the end; looking at the earthly instrument and agent, and forgetting the prime Mover of all. What I am seeking to recommend to you is this, not a mere principle or matter of belief, but the importance of a constant, daily observance of the events and transactions of life, in reference to the almighty power and goodness of God. It is a point not attended to, even by many sincere Christians, as it ought to be; as to the generality, day after day passes by, without any such reference at all. Every thing proceeds, in their notion and view, from their own will and work, from the good or evil working of others; and they are affected accordingly; rejoicing or complaining, elevated or cast down. They have no consideration of the great Ruler and Preserver; they might almost be said to “live without God in the world;” it amounts, at least, to a practical disowning of His providence. But I must repeat, that even from many sincere Christians this great influential doctrine does not receive all the attention, which its importance demands. They are convinced, that “the works of the Lord are great;” that His mighty operations are continually manifested, in the moral and spiritual government of mankind; but they do not sufficiently carry this conviction into their own daily walk in life. Far would we be from implying, that such reflections ought, in any way, to interfere with our circumspection or diligence in worldly concerns; or that we are familiarly to mix up religious observations with ordinary business or pleasure; but we should have a mind and heart ever open to perceive the gracious interpositions and visitations of heaven; we should be alive to every providential deliverance from accident or danger, both in ourselves and others: to the vouchsafement of every blessing, both temporal and spiritual. And they, who are thus disposed and ready, will find many opportunities drawing them to God: many circumstances and events, which they once regarded somewhat in the light of chance, they will then clearly ascribe to the sure, though silent working of that invisible power, by which every thing in the universe is governed and sustained.