Page:The Works of Samuel Johnson ... A journey to the Hebrides. The vision of Theodore, the hermit of Teneriffe. The fountains. Prayers and meditations. Sermons.v. 10-11. Parliamentary debates.pdf/514



"The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works." cxlv. 9.

In this devout, masterly, and useful performance, the author appears deeply sensible of the divine greatness, and peculiarly transported with contemplating God's infinite goodness; even to that degree, that he cheerfully engages in, and absolutely devotes himself to, the very important service of adoring and obeying this almighty, unbounded, and most benevolent Being.

This his religion, as he intimates, was founded upon the most solid ground of reason; for as the great Father and Lord of all is certainly matchless, and unrivalled in majesty and in power, so is he disinterested, wonderful, and glorious, in bounty and compassion; averse and slow to anger, but ready to receive, to favour and reward, all who diligently seek, and faithfully serve him. "The Lord is good to all, and his tender mercies are over all his works."

In discoursing upon this subject, I shall consider,


 * Some arguments that support, or prove it.

import in some remarkable instances, and conclude with a practical application.
 * Illustrate its extensive signification and

this sentiment.
 * I am to consider some arguments that establish

Our great Lord and Master has taught us, that there is none good but one, that is God. By which expression we may understand, that there is none so perfectly disinterested, so diffusively, and so astonishingly good, as God is. For, in another place, he instructs us both how to comprehend, and rely on this unchangeable and never-failing attribute of the divine nature; resembling it to, or representing it by, a human quality or virtue, namely, the affection and tender regard of parents to their children.