esignated the creation by a word which means order
(cosmos). But our sense of order is keenest where we discern it in
apparent confusion. The motions of the heavenly bodies are eccentric and
intervolved, yet are most regular when they seem most lawless. They were
therefore compared by the earliest astronomers to the discords which
blend in a harmony, and to the wild starts which often heighten the
graces of a dance. Modern astronomy has revealed to us so much
miraculous symmetry in celestial phenomena, that it shows us far more
decisive proofs of a Ruler seated on the circles of the heavens, than
were vouchsafed to the ancients. Moreover, many discover proofs of a
Providence in such facts as the proportion between the two sexes, the
diversities of the continents, as well as human nature and the nature of
all things continuing always the same; since such facts show that all
things are controlled by an unchanging power.

An objection to proofs of Providence, derived from the order of the
universe, is thought to spring from the seeming disorders to which we
cannot shut our eyes. Much is said of plagues and earthquakes, of
drought, flood, frost and famine, with a thousand more natural evils.
But it deserves consideration whether, if there were no Providence,
these anomalies would not be the rule instead of the exception; whether
they do not feelingly persuade us that that curse of nature is upheld by
a power above nature, and without which it would fall to nothing;
whether they may not be otherwise necessary for more important ends than
fall within the scope of our knowledge.

[Illustration: REV. M. GOLDEN

The High Priest in Church Ceremonial Attire]

A fifth proof of Providence is furnished by the fact that so many men
are here rewarded and punished according to a righteous law. The wicked
often feel compunctious visitings in the midst of their sins, or smart
under the rod of civil justice, or are tortured with natural evils. With
righteous all things are in general reversed. The miser and envious are
punished as soon as they begin to commit their respective sins; and some
virtues are their own present reward. But we would not dissemble that we
are here met with important objections, although infinitely less, even
though they were unanswerable, than beset such as would reject the
doctrine of Providence.

It is said, and we grant, that the righteous are trodden under foot, and
the vilest men exalted; that the race is