The Works of Thomas Dick

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1851 edition. Excerpt: ...upon the world, the great globe we inhabit would be shattered to its centre, and enveloped in devouring flames. For no finite intelligence could refrain his indignation for a length of years, or could penetrate into all the reasons, why "sentenceagainst an evil work should not be speedily executed why the murderer should not be arrested by death before his hand is lifted up to strike; why thi tyrant should not be cut off before his victims are secured; and why the stave should be doomed to drag out so many long years under the rod of a relentless master. But God beholds all these actions in all their bearings and relations to the plan of his government, and in all their eternal consequences; and beholding them, he "keeps silence," and refrains from executing immediate and deserved punishment. This part of the divine character, when seriously considered, is calculated to excite strong emotions of admiration and wonder; and these emotions must be raised to their highest pitch, when we consider the many instruments of vengeance which are every moment wielded by the hand of the Almighty. If forbearance were owing to impotence, or a want of means for the infliction of retributive justice, our admiration would cease. But all the elements of nature Are under ttie immediate control of the Governor of the universe; and, in a thousand modes incomprehensible by us, He could make them the instruments of his vengeance to chastise a guilty world. ' For in his hand is the soui of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind." Let us consider, for a little, some of those agents which lie within (he sphere of our knowledge in the system of nature. Of all the elements of nature, there is rum more delightful and beautiful in its...