Afflictions, Gods Love-tokens. [ 1751]
A Gentleman hath a Hawk which he prizeth highly, he feeds her with his own hand, is very carefull in the pluming of her feathers, sets her upon his Fist, and taketh great delight in the sight of her; but for all this he puts vervells upon her leggs, and a dark hood upon her head, Et quare capititium? quare compedes?* 1.1 (saith the Father) Why is she hood-wink'd? why fettered? lest she should fly away, he would not by any means have her out of call, but that she might be alwayes within the lure. Thus God deals with his children, there cannot be a more evident sign of his love, then when he chastiseth them, nor a greater evidence of his hatred and rejection, then when he gives Men over to do what they list,* 1.2 to go on and prosper in all wicked and licentious courses; When he lets Men neglect all duties without controlement, he makes it manifest, that his purpose is to turn them out of service; and when he lets them feed at will in the pleasant pastures of Sin, it is more then probable, that he hath destinated them to the slaughter.