2² A View ef tbe Dz1rcA Writers. Let. 25.

repreſented. The Chriſtian inſtructed by the holy Scriptures believes, that Gad is perfectly juſt and righteous in all his ways. — He is taught to regard all the good things he enjoys as flow- ing from God's paternal benignity; all the evils and afflietions he endures, as ordered and governed for the moſt wiſe ànd righteous ends. If there be any thing in the divine diſpenſa- tions at preſent, which he cannot well account for, or reconcile, he is far from accuſing God, or entertaining a hard thought of his juſtice or goodueſs. He believes, that theſe things are all wiſely ordered, or permitted: That they are what may be ex- pected in a ſtate of trial and diſcipline, and make a part of the ſcheme of divine providence, which will appear, when thé whole comes to be viewed in its proper connection and har- mony, to have been ordered with the moſt perfect wiſdom, righteouſneſs, and goodneſs. This preſent ſtate only makes à part of the glorious plan; and they are the perſons that de- fame and miſrepreſent providence, who are for ſeparating and disjointing the admirable ſcheme. What a ſtrange perverſion is it to repreſent the hope and expectation which Chriſtians entertain of a future ſtate, as arguing a bad temper of mind, and tending to render them unworthy to taſte of the divine goodneſs hereafter! As if it were a fault and a vice to aſpire to a ſtate where our nature ſhall be raiſed to the perfection of holineſs and virtue, where true piety ſhall receive its proper and full reward, and the glory of the divine perfections ſhall be moſt illuſtriouſly diſplayed.

As to the nature and extent of thoſe future rewards and

uniſhments, they will come more properly to be conſidered when I come to examine the objections he hath advanced againſt the accounts that are given of them in the Goſpel. 3

The only thing farther which J'ſhall at preſent take notice of, is the uſe which he makes of that maxim, That uhatſoever is is right. He inſinuates as if Chriſtian divines were not for acknowleging, that whatſoever God does is right; which he looks upon to be a moſt certain and important principle; and that upon this principle we ought to reſt ſatisfied, That what is done in this preſent ſtate is right, without looking forward to a future ſtate, or taking it into the account at all.

For'thé explaining the principle our author mentions, Whar- fſoever is is right, it muſt be obſerved, that it is not to be ap-

count avilb God, and to barter ſo much virtue, and ſo many ads f. dewotion, againſi ſo many degrees ef honour, poaver, or riches. Vol. V. p. 401, 402. 3. 4

plied