Genre:

Homily

Subjects:

Political Economy, Utilitarianism, Piety, Astronomy, Eschatology, Geology, Natural History

    Observes: '"The greatest good to the greatest number," is a favourite principle in the present day, but here is every good to every body; our own hearts right with God, and the whole earth living under the influence of his gospel' (270). Considers that God has been, 'since the beginning of the creation, so ordering everything in nature and providence, as to bring about the coming of his own kingdom and glory'. The heavens 'are kept in store for this specific end, and are daily and hourly verging to the consummation sought for in the prayer—"Thy kingdom come!"'. The stars only last for a season before they are withdrawn, but they 'tremble forth again' at the divine command. Argues that on earth, '"Thy kingdom come", appears to be the language of the inanimate creation, as well as of the lower orders of living beings. The foundations of the earth are out of joint; and amongst "the visible and vulgar things" around us, we think we can still discover how God has come out of his place to punish our hereditary wickedness, and shake, by his rebuke and thunder, the desecrated earth'. (271) Invokes at length the natural scenes of summer as sometimes unreadable signs of the consummation of divine purposes. Reflects that the decay and renewal of organic life is suggestive of the divine renewal of the creation. Urges the reader to search within themselves 'for the spring that is to set the car of triumph on its victorious march' (274).