Vol 01 -THE INTRODUCTION.

THE INTRODUCTION
That the creatures are our guides and instructors, to lead us to the knowledge of God.
I. MOSES, the prince of prophets, in his book of Genesis, produces two strong proofs of the being of a God. The first is taken from the great world. The second from the lesser world, which is man. And because by these, the Maker and Preserver of all things is manifested, and in lively characters engraven upon our hearts: therefore the Holy Scriptures frequently appeal to them both. I intend in this book, to follow the same method; and by various reflections upon both the greater and lesser world, endeavor to show, that the creatures are, as it were, the hands and messengers of GOD, in a sound and Christian sense; leading us to the knowledge of God and CHRIST.
2. Observe now the method by which the creatures lead us unto God. He invites us by all the engaging invitations and promises of the gospel; and not content with that, he offers us many great and noble gifts; “Doing us good from heaven; sending us fruitful seasons; and filling our hearts with food and gladness." All which blessings are as so many messengers sent from God to draw us to himself, and to instruct us how to taste the goodness of the Creator in that of the creature.
3. For this reason it was, that God made man so weak, needy, and helpless, that by the variety of his blessings, and multitude of his benefits, he might draw him to himself, and teach him by these various instances of his love and goodness, that all the comfort and sweetness which he tastes in the creatures, really proceed from the Creator; and that he alone is able to comfort, relieve, and support us, when those perishing comforts forsake us.
4. But the greatest of all God's messengers, the most excellent of all his gifts, is the Lord Jesus CHRIST, the only begotten Son of God. In him is all the fullness and perfection of Divine love and goodness. His mercy is. over all his works, and by him all things were made. "By him all things consist. He upholdeth all things by word of his power." This premised, I begin treating of " the six days creation," to promote the knowledge, glory, and praise of God.