Chap. 8.
of Conſtancy.
179
concerning the Ends themselves. But it is fit I should preface an attempt of this Nature with that of Homer,
If it may be done by me,
Or the thing it self can be.
Or the thing it self can be.
For there are some of them, which methinks I am able with some certainty to comprehend and point out, but there are others which I can only rove and guess at. Of the more apparent ones, are these three; to Exercise, Chastise, and Punish us. For if you observe it, the most usual and ordinary calamities do either exercise the good, or chastise the offending, or punish the wicked; and all this for our good. For (to illustrate and dwell awhile upon the first End) we daily see the best Men either press'd by calamities singly and apart by themselves; or else inclosed by them, in society with the wicked. We observe and wonder at it;
M 2
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