rks they deny him, being abominable and disobedient, and
unto every good work reprobate." He, who goes on in the ways of
transgression and multiplies his iniquities, must either believe there
is no God, or else conclude that he does not rule over the affairs of
men; and on this ground flatters himself that he shall escape
punishment. And not only so, but in opposition to the express
declaration of Jehovah, he believes that he shall enjoy a degree of
happiness in the indulgence of sin. All such are driven from those
rational reflections and moral principles, which virtually constitute
the man, and have yet to learn, "that the heavens do rule."

SERMON IV

"And they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with
the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as
oxen, and seven times shall pass over thee until thou know that the
Most High ruleth in the kingdom of, men, and giveth it to whomsoever
he will." Daniel iv:32.

Every man, who believes that the path of virtue is thorny, and that of
vice is pleasurable, is not only deceived, but has not yet learned
that the Most High holds the reins of government, and dispenses to his
creatures their rewards and punishments. It is evident, if every man
solemnly believed that a course of sin would bring upon him certain
and unavoidable misery--and that every species of dishonesty would
lessen his fortune in the world, he would abandon his course, and turn
his feet to the testimonies of God. The transgressor is therefore
deceiving himself, is resting under a strong delusion, and is yet
ignorant that the Almighty rules throughout his vast dominions.
Certain it is that a wicked man was never happy while remaining in
that condition, and it is equally certain that no one ever yet went
unpunished.

To this point we intend to invite your serious attention in this
discourse. The expression in our text, "till thou know that the Most
High ruleth in the kingdom of men," does not only imply a knowledge of
the existence of a Supreme Intelligence, who governs the world, but an
obedience to the moral laws of his empire. On this proposition we
purpose to offer a few rational, and not only rational, but
irresistible arguments. We will first notice the condition of those
who are guilty of heinous crimes, and then come down to the common
walks of life, and bestow a few remarks on those who are indifferent
about their condition, and only guard their conduct so far as com