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CHAP. XIII. Of hidden reasons of some impertinent opini∣ons on this subject.
According to the vulgar, all publick ca∣lamities, or particular, are but pu∣nishments of sinne, or corrections, or tri∣alls. But they ought to be referred to many other causes which are to us unknown. VVe see not the providence of God but in par∣cells. If we could see his works in their to∣tall, and join all ages together, we might perceive in their linking together an order of causes, and justice, which cannot be ob∣served in retaile. Some hold that the per∣sonall sins of the fathers are not punished in their children, unlesse when they are made partakers thereof with them; And notwithstanding many children, never having committed any evill, have been borne with notable infirmities, which their fathers sinnes have drawn upon them. The piety of Josias hindred not that