The Creation of the World
J. Love, D. D. Job 38:4 Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if you have understanding. I. SOME LEADING IDEAS RESPECTING THE DIVINE WORK OF CREATION. Notice — 1. The hoary and venerable antiquity of the work, and its entire independence of the power and wisdom of man. Many an upstart of yesterday imagines himself capable to investigate and define every subject. The questions of the text lead us to contemplate the creating work as mysterious and unsearchable. II. THE MANNER IN WHICH MEDITATIONS ON THIS WORK OF CREATION MAY BE MOST PROFITABLY CONDUCTED. Philosophers will afford delightful aid to the more studious observer of the universe. The grand philosophy is in the Bible, where resounds the voice of God Himself, describing His own operations. But there is still needed the specially illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit of God. This influence is to be sought by prayer, while the proper means are diligently used. III. THE IMPORTANT ENDS AND USES TO WHICH MEDITATIONS OF THIS KIND OUGHT TO BE DIRECTED AND APPLIED. The agency of the Spirit is particularly manifest in sanctifying devout meditations to their proper end. By meditations properly conducted, a habit of spirituality is acquired, and an ability to bring the mind close to the contemplation of Divine things. Here is the porch of the temple of wisdom. There is the foot of the ladder, whereby the soul at length ascends to heaven. Nor is the utility of such meditations confined to the infancy of religious wisdom; it follows us up to the very gates of heaven, yea, into heaven itself. (J. Love, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. WEB: "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.