'
Lastly, he goes on to political changes, which bring a whole nation
low, into oppression and misery. 'They are minished and brought low
through oppression, affliction and sorrow. He poureth contempt upon
princes, and causeth them to wander in the wilderness, where there
is no way. Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and
maketh him families like a flock. The righteous shall see it, and
rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and
will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-
kindness of the Lord.'
And so, in all the changes of this mortal life, he sees no real
chance, no real change, but the orderly education of a just and
loving Father, whose mercy endureth for ever; who chastens men as a
father chastens his children, for their profit, that they may be
partakers of his holiness, in which alone is life and joy, health
and wealth.
Surely, here is a Gospel, and good news;--news so good, that it
turns what seems to the superstitious the worst of news, into the
very best. For it seems at first sight the worst of news that which
the ninth Article tells us, that our original sin, in every person
born into this world, deserves God's wrath and damnation. And so it
would be the worst of news, if God were merely a judge, inflicting
so much pain and misery for so much sin, without any wish to mend us
and save us.
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