5. This resignation to the divine will, may be considered in two respects: _first_, As it signifies a thankful approbation of God’s _general_ providence over the world: _secondly_, As it signifies a thankful acceptance of his _particular_ providence over us. * _First_, Every man is, by the first article of his creed, obliged to acknowledge the wisdom and goodness of God, in his _general providence_ over the world. He is to believe that it is the effect of God’s great wisdom and goodness, that the world itself was formed at such a particular time, and in such a manner: that the general order of nature, the whole frame of things, is contrived and formed in the best manner. He is to believe that God’s providence over states and kingdoms, times and seasons, is all for the best: that the revolutions of state, and changes of empire, the rise and fall of monarchies, persecutions, wars, famines and plagues, are all permitted, and conducted by God’s providence, to the general good of man in this state of trial. A good man is to believe all this, with the same fullness of assent, as he believes that God is in every place, tho’ he neither sees, nor can comprehend the manner of his presence. * This is a noble magnificence of thought, a true greatness of mind, to be thus affected with God’s general providence, admiring and magnifying his wisdom in all things; never murmuring at the course of the world, or the state of things, but looking upon all around, at heaven and earth, as a pleased spectator; and adoring that invisible hand, which gives laws to all motions, and over-rules all events to ends suitable to the highest wisdom and goodness. 6. It is very common for people to allow themselves great liberty in finding fault with such things, as have only God for their cause. * Every one thinks he may justly say, what a _wretched, abominable climate_ he lives in. This man is frequently telling you, what a _dismal, cursed_ day it is, and what intolerable _seasons_ we have. Another thinks it is hardly worth his while to live in a world so full of changes and revolutions. But these are tempers of great impiety, and shew that religion has not yet its seat in the heart. It sounds indeed much better to murmur at the course of the world, than to murmur at providence; to complain of the seasons and weather, than to complain of God; but if these have no other cause but God, it is a poor excuse to say, that you are only angry at the things, but not at the cause and director of them.