Page:Whole works of joseph butler.djvu/210

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SERMON

number of the stars, and calleth them all by their names. Who laid the foundations of the earth, who comprehendeth the dust of it in a measure, and weigheth the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance." And when we have recounted all the appearances which come within our view, we must add, "Lo, these are parts of his ways; but how little a portion is heard of him? canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know?"

The conclusion is, that in all lowliness of mind we set lightly by ourselves: that we form our temper to an implicit submission to the Divine Majesty; beget within ourselves an absolute resignation to all the methods of his providence, in his dealings with the children of men: that, in the deepest humility of our souls, we prostrate ourselves before him, and join in that celestial song, "Great and marvellous are thy works. Lord God Almighty! Just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints I Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name?"