doms of earth in His hands. It was the precious souls of the inhabitants that forced Him to weep; for He foresaw that in spite of the frequent lights granted them, and the many mercies they had experienced., they would remain obdurate in their wickedness and be lost forever. But why so? Could not the Almighty Son of God, who is so desirous of our salvation, give to those people more powerful graces, which, as He could foresee, would enable them to repent and be saved? No doubt He could have done so, for He has infinite treasures of grace at His disposal, by which He might draw even the hardest hearts to Himself. Why then did He not give those graces? But still! why do I, a poor mortal, dare to examine the hidden decrees of the Almighty God, since He wishes to conceal them from the eyes of men? My dear brethren, on the last occasion I explained to you the first reason of the necessity of the general judgment, namely, that God may publicly in the sight of all men justify the incomprehensible decrees and dispensations of His providence in the government of the world. The conclusion that follows therefrom I have given in a few words; that, namely, we must not be too curious in examining those decrees, much less should we complain of or find fault with them, but rather humbly submit to and adore them. Still there are many Christians who cannot reserve their curiosity and judgment on them till the last day; now already they begin to criticise them in thought, and to ask why does God do this or that in such a manner, and not otherwise. Nay, they even find fault with Him, and say that He acts unjustly. This is evident from their frequent complaints. What have I done to God that He should punish me thus? Is it right that I should have so much to suffer? that God should permit things to take such a course? etc. Ah, let me beg of you to refrain from such thoughts! Be not scandalized at the most holy works of God! Who art thou, poor mortal, that thou shouldst dare to criticise and condemn God and His inscrutable decrees, the knowledge and understanding of which He has chosen to keep from thee till the last day? This question, my dear brethren, I shall now consider more in detail, and I say:
Plan of Discourse.
It is folly and presumption to examine and pronounce upon the decrees and arrangements of Divine Providence; much worse still is it to criticise or find fault with them; therefore let us hum-
