It is an established maxim of revelation, that “all things are of God.” No one doubts, but the credulous atheist, whether the universe be the result of his power. But the Creator of the universe and the great Author of our religion, is one and the same agent. John, i. 1. The former was created and arranged by Omnipotence, and the latter no less required the exertions of that attribute of Deity. The heavens declare his glory, as Creator. In religion, considered as a plan of redeeming mercy, shines “the glory of his grace.” The firmament, with all the orbs that move there, according to the rules of the most systematic contrivance, and regular though amazingly swift rotation, deciphers his wisdom. But it is in the plan of redemption that “the _manifold_ wisdom of God” is more illustriously and advantageously displayed. Religion, considered as a system, applying itself to the state of man, not as in innocence, but under the ruin of the fall, is entirely of God. Man had no hand in forming it, nature no power in executing it. It equally surpassed, in every point of view, the expectations and the desert, the wisdom and power, of man. Considered in its renovating and practical tendency, as a system of morals, its origin is equally of God. This appears from the various representations of the purity of its precepts, as well as from the expressive epithets given to it in the sacred scriptures. It is called “the wisdom that is _from above_,—the kingdom of heaven,—the new _creation_,—the being born from above,—the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness, &c.—the fruits of the spirit,” &c. If union to Christ be the root of true religion, and good works its fruit, both are from God. “OF HIM are ye in Christ Jesus.” 1 Cor. i. 30. “We are HIS _workmanship_ created in Christ Jesus unto good works.” Ephes. ii. 10. From whence we may deduce this scripture axiom; that religion, doctrinally or practically considered, is, as to its original, the offspring of heaven, and the sole glorious work of Him, “_by_ whom, _through_ whom, and _to_ whom, are ALL THINGS.”