(8) Then the beasts go into dens, and remain in their places. (9) Out of the south cometh the whirlwind: and cold out of the north. (10) By the breath of God frost is given: and the breadth of the waters is straitened. (11) Also by watering he wearieth the thick cloud: he scattereth his bright cloud: (12) And it is turned round about by his counsels: that they may do whatsoever he commandeth them upon the face of the world in the earth. (13) He causeth it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
Here are the same traces of GOD'S power pointed to, in the effect and operation of winds, and their constant ministration, by his appointment. All which, were our minds not dullness itself, would unceasingly lead us to the contemplation of GOD. Perhaps there is not a subject so general among all ranks and orders of people, as that of weather. It becomes the usual subject as we pass the street, or in the house; what a fine day, or what a rainy day; it is today. But how seldom do we hear serious observations added to the conversation, how gracious the LORD is in the appointment. Reader, let you and I never converse on the weather without connecting with it our humble and devout acknowledgment of Him and his mercy, in the different appointments of the weather, who gathereth the winds (as the wise man expresseth it) in his fists, and hath bounded the waters in his garment. Proverbs 30:4. And, in a more spiritual sense, let the winds of the north, and the south, here spoken of, lead our minds to the recollection of the divine breathing of the HOLY GHOST, concerning whose gracious operations upon the hearts of his people, the Redeemer calls for the manifestation of his blessed office, in desiring the north wind, and the south wind, to blow upon the garden, which is the church of JESUS, that the spices may flow; and that then the Church's beloved, even JESUS himself, will come into his garden, and eat of his pleasant fruits. Song of Solomon 4:16.