Yet, in order to lead us more effectually to cultivate, and to reap the benefit of, this heavenly frame of mind, let us now consider the bearing of the apostolic charge in the text, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God.” Here we may discover powerful reasons intimated, why we should bring ourselves into a state of entire submission to the divine will, and rest satisfied and resigned under every dispensation. The hand of God is mighty: He is the sovereign Lord of all; has an absolute right to dispose of His creatures, according to His good pleasure; and is alone able both to know and to do, what their several necessities require. They, therefore, who profess themselves His people, are bound, by that very profession, unreservedly to submit to His sovereign disposal: “Shall the clay say to him that fashioneth it, what makest thou? O Lord, Thou art our Father, we are the clay, and Thou our potter; and we all are the work of Thy hand.” {158} He who created, He who redeemed us, He to whom alone we can look for sanctification and life, should and will maintain the dominion over us: He that gave us our being, must be able, and cannot be unwilling, to “give us all things needful both for our souls and bodies.” We understand not how He formed us from the dust of the earth; so neither can we understand the methods of His providence; but, as “the life is more than meat,” so may we trust His goodness and His power, to preserve, in the best and wisest manner, the being of those, who seek His protection and submit to His government. A wise son yields to an affectionate father, even in points where he cannot comprehend the entire wisdom of his discipline and correction; yields, not only because experience has taught him the benefit of subjection, but also for the sake of obedience to a father, who is entrusted with the guidance of him, and has a right to be obeyed; much more should we, the adopted children of the Most High, bow with meekness and reverence before an Almighty and heavenly Father, though we altogether comprehend not the purpose of the trials, which He bringeth upon us: they are chastisements of mercy, of whatever kind they be, and moreover are ordained by Him, who has the entire undisputed right of dominion over us.