The judgments of the Lord are unsearchable, and His ways past finding out. He loves His people with an everlasting love, yet often contends with them, as in anger, with severe and multiplied afflictions. He tenderly watches over them for good, yet often seems to abandon them to be the sport of their enemies. He pursues the most gracious designs with respect to them; but, for attaining these, employs means which seem to have a directly contrary tendency. Often He withholds those interpositions of providence, that appear indispensable for their protection and support; and, again, often surprises them with unexpected visits of love.

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