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Objections against the Righteousness of Providence confidered.

DISCOURSE XVI.

PSALM cxlv. 17.

The Lord is righteous in all his Ways, and holy in all his Works.

IN

our former Difcourfe on thefe Words, after offering fome general Confiderations to fhew that God is perfectly holy and righteous in all his Ways, we proceeded to confider the principal Things in the divine Difpenfations towards Mankind, that seem to have a contrary Appearance, and which are ufually urged as Objections against the Righteoufnefs of Providence.

1

And

And ift, We confidered the feemingly promiscuous Distribution of Events in this prefent World, in which all Things come alike to all, and there is no vifible Diftinction made between the righteous and the wicked in the Course of God's outward Difpenfations. And it was fhewn that no Argument can be drawn from thence against the Wisdom or Righteousness of Divine Providence.

But 2dly, It is farther urged, that good Men are not only liable to Troubles and Afflictions in common with the rest of Mankind, but that they have frequently a larger Share of them than other Men. Inftead of receiving the Rewards of their Piety and Virtue, they are often in very mean and destitute Circumstances, and labour under a Variety of Evils and Sorrows. Some of the worthieft of Men have met with the most severe and injurious Treatment, and have been expofed to the bitterest Obloquy and Reproach, and to the moft grievous Sufferings. And would this be permitted if this World were under the Administration of a righteous Providence?

But several Confiderations may be of fered to take off the Force of this Objection.

And

And ist, It doth not appear, that in the common Courfe of Things, abftracting from Seasons of extraordinary Trial and Perfecution, (which shall be confidered afterwards,) good Men have a greater Share of Afflictions and Calamities than other Men. On the contrary, it is certain that, as hath been already obferved, there are many and great Evils and Troubles to which bad Men are ordinarily more expofed, and which they usually bring upon themselves as the Effects and Punishments of their Vices and Wickedness.

2dly, Another Thing which is proper to be confidered on this Occafion is, that fome of those under great Afflictions, whom we look upon to be pious and good Men, may not be really fo; and if we knew their Hearts and real Characters as God doth, we should, instead of finding Fault with the Severity of his Dealings towards them, acknowledge and adore his Justice and Righteousness.

But 3dly, fuppofing them to be really, taking in the whole of their Character, good and upright Perfons, as it cannot be denied that many fuch in all Ages have been greatly afflicted, yet they may have been guilty of Sins on the account of which God feeth fit to lay his chaftening Hand upon them, and they may have spi

ritual Disorders and Corruptions, which need the Correction of his Rod. And in that Cafe, far from accufing the Righteoufnefs of God, we fhould admire the Impartiality of his Juftice, in thus manifesting his Difpleasure against the Sins and Faults even of those that are the Objects of his fpecial Love and Favour. And what rendereth it more proper that the Faults of good Men fhould now be punished, is, that their Corrections and Punishments are confined to this prefent State of Trial and Discipline. And when this is at an End, God fhall for ever wipe away all Tears from their Eyes.

To this it may be added, 4thly, that the Afflictions of the righteous are sent with a falutary Defign, and are made to work together for their Good, and fo prove real Bleffings to them, as was shewn in a former Difcourse *. And fuch Afflictions and Adverfities which are in the Intention of God defigned for their greater Benefit, and in the Event prove really to be fo, cannot properly be brought in as Objections against the Righteousness or even Goodness of God, but rather are Proofs of both. Efpecially confidering the gracious Affiftances and Supports which God is pleased to vouchsafe to good Men under their * See Difcourfe fecond, on Pfalm cxlv. 9. Troubles,

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