Sermon on Occafion of a public Fq/l. 33 r who has all his creatures, and at all times, SERM. equally in his power, fees fit in this ftate, XIII. which is but a fmall part of our exiftence, to delay his final diftribution, referving it to a day he hath appointed, in which he will judge the world in righteoufnefs, and render to all men in exalt proportion according to their works. And yet, as in this fate we have clear evi- dences of our being under difcipline ; fo there have not been wanting in all ages fignal in- fiances of a wife fuperintending providence interpofing in human affairs with a regard to men's moral conduct, fometimes recom- penfing eminently virtuous a tions,and crown- n- ing them with honour which the moll care- Ids obfervers could not help difcerning ; and fometimes as remarkably punifhing heinous wickednefs, for the neceffary inftrudiion of an ignorant, and warnirìg of a fecure gene- ration, that if poffible they may be excited to bethink themfelves, to repent and amend their evil doings. Efpecially, this is the cafe of nations and kingdoms, which are the fpe- cial objects of God's care, as he is the gracious parent of mankind, becaufe they are fo emi- nently ufeful for préferving order, promoting peace, and the mofi public food as far as the prefent
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