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

FROM these things it follows, according to the 5th, 6th, and 7th positions, that the glory of God is the last end of the creation of the world.

8. THE scripture leads us to suppose, that God's glory is his last end in his moral government of the world in general. This has been already shown concerning several things that belong to God's moral government of the world. As particularly, in the work of redemption, the chief of all his dispensations, in his moral government of the world. And I have also observed it, with respect to the duty which God requires of the subjects of his moral government, in requiring them to seek his glory as their last end. And this is actually the last end of the moral goodness required of them; the end which gives their moral goodness its chief value. And also, that it is what that person which God has set at the head of the moral world, as its chief governor, even Jesus Christ, seeks as his chief end. And it has been shown, that it is the chief end for which that part of the moral world which are good, are made, or have their existence as good. I now further observe, that this is the end of the establishment of the public worship and ordinances of God among mankind. Hag. 1. 8. "Go up to the mountain, and bring wood, and build the house; and I will take pleasure in it, and I will BE GLORIFIED, saith the LORD." This is spoken of as the end of God's promises of rewards, and of their ⟨p. 73⟩fulfilment. 2 Cor. 1. 20. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him amen, TO THE GLORY OF GOD by us." And this is spoken of as the end of the execution of God's threatenings, in the punishment of sin. Num. 14. 20, 21, 22, 23. "And the LORD said, I have pardoned according to thy word. But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with THE GLORY OF JEHOVAH. Because all these men, &c—Surely they shall not see the land." The glory of Jehovah is evidently here spoken of, as that which he had regard to, as his highest and ultimate end; which therefore he could not fail of; but must take place every where, and in every case, through all parts of his dominion, whatever became of men. And whatever abatements might be made, as to judgments deserved; and whatever changes might be made in the course of God's proceedings, from compassion to sinners; yet the attaining of God's glory was an end, which being ultimate and supreme, must in no case whatsoever give place. This is spoken of as the end of God's executing judgments on his enemies in this world.