Two dissertations, I. Concerning the end for which God created the world. II. The…

3. THE scripture speaks from time to time, of God's glory, as tho' it were his ultimate end of the goodness of the moral part of the creation; and that end, in a respect and relation to which chiefly it is, that the value or worth of their virtue consists. As in Phil. 1. 10. 11. "That ye may approve things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere, and without offence till the day of Christ: being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God." Here the apostle shows how the fruits of righteousness in them are valuable and how they answer their end. viz. in being "by Jesus Christ to the praise and glory of God." Joh. 15. 8. "Herein is my father glorified, that ye bear much fruit." Signifying that by this means it is, that the great end of religion is to be answered. And in 1 Pet. 4. 11. the apostle directs the christians to regulate all their religious performances, with reference to that one end. "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God: if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified; to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever, amen." And, from time to time, embracing and practising true religion, and repenting of sin, and turning to holiness, is expressed by glorifying God, as tho' that were the sum and end of the whole matter. Rev. 11. 13. "And in the earthquake were slain of men seven thousand; and the remnant were affrighted, and gave glory to the God of heaven." So, Rev. 14. 6, 7. "And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to them that dwell on the earth;—saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him." As tho' this were the sum and end of that virtue and religion, which was the grand design of preaching the gospel every where through' the world. Rev. 16. 9.—"And repented not, to give him glory." Which is as much as to say, they did not forsake their sins and turn to true religion, that God might receive that which is the great end he seeks, in the