---

I. WHAT IS MEANT BY INQUIRING AFTER GOD OUR MAKER?

1. When we investigate the important question, Is there a Deity? what notions are we to form of His nature, perfections, and providence?

2. When we apply to Him in the exercise of religious duty, particularly prayer (Job 8:5; Isaiah 55:6).

3. When we are solicitous to discover His will concerning our duty and privilege, as moral and reasonable beings (Romans 12:2; 1 Thessalonians 4:3).

4. When we earnestly pant after His approbation, and give ourselves no rest till we obtain it, through repentance for sin, and faith in the atonement of the Son of God (Romans 3:25, 26).

5. When we thirst after that better country, where God is enjoyed, and where our inquiries after Him shall meet with ample success. There we shall have the justest and the brightest ideas of Him, the most glorious resemblance of His holy and benevolent nature (1 John 3:2).

II. WHY IS IT THAT SO NEW ARE MAKING THIS INQUIRY?

1. Because mankind are so much engaged about visible things: these strike the senses more than things of a spiritual and invisible nature; and seem to be the only things which command their attention.

2. Dissipation. They have no taste but for play and amusement, one scene of diversion after another; the hours which should be spent in intercourse with heaven, are prostituted to folly, vanity, and idleness.

3. They make a God of this world, by placing their affections supremely upon it (James 2:4); its gold and silver, honour, fame, power, dominion, popular applause.

4. They are sensual, making a God of pleasure, sensuality, lascivious gratifications. How can a soul, thus fettered to earth, elevate itself to inquire after God its Maker? no more than a bird can ascend without wings.

5. Some live so criminally, that God is the object of their dread: they wish there was no God; are glad to hear religion opposed; would be happy to hear its truths confuted, if they could; they would obliterate the doctrine of providence, and the soul's immortality.

III. CONSIDER THE AMIABLE ACCOUNT HERE GIVEN OF GOD. "He giveth songs in the night"; or matter of songs, etc.

1. By exhibiting those bright orbs which fill the expanse of heaven (Psalm 8:3, 4).

2. Night may be taken figuratively. Day is put for prosperity, success, joy, and comfort. Night for adversity, calamity, grief, and vexation. God cheereth the mourner's heart, and solaceth His people in the night of adversity, grants support, unexpected relief (Psalm 66:19).

3. He giveth songs in the night of death, of praise and thanksgiving, of victory (1 Corinthians 15:55; 1 Corinthians 4:7).Improvement —

1. Let us rejoice in Him, who lifteth up the hands that hang down, and giveth songs of praise in adversity.

2. Let us adore the wisdom of Providence, in whose dispensations day and night, good and evil, are so seasonably blended, enjoy the good thankfully, suffer the evil with resignation.

3. Let us fortify ourselves under every calamity by looking forward.

(T. Hannam.)

---

---

KJV: But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;

WEB: But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,