Casuistical morning-exercises the fourth volume /

3. There are other News of a Public Nature, and which concern the State or Church; which import some threatening danger, or some smiling Providence; the approaches of somewhat more than ordinary for the Good of Mankind or the Church of Christ. Such was the News of Joseph, that he was alive, Lord of Egypt, and that he had sent to fetch Jacob and his Family (the Church of God in that day) to preserve a Seed alive. Such was the News of Cyrus's coming to the Throne, favouring the Jews, and issuing out the Edict of their Return, which made the Jews (Dreamers like) think 'twas too Good to be true. Or when sad News alarms the World, as when Rumours of Wars come one upon another, and threaten the World with an universal Deluge of Blood.

3. There are other News of a Publick Nature, and which concern the State or Church; which import some threatning danger, or some smiling Providence; the approaches of somewhat more than ordinary for the Good of Mankind or the Church of Christ. Such was the News of Joseph, that he was alive, Lord of Egypt, and that he had sent to fetch Jacob and his Family (the Church of God in that day) to preserve a Seed alive. Such was the News of Cyrus's coming to the Throne, favouring the Jews, and issuing out the Edict of their Return, which made the Jews (Dreamers like) think 'twas too Good to be true. Or when sad News alarms the World, as when Rumors of Wars come one upon another, and threaten the World with an universal Deluge of Blood.

In such Cases, 'tis yet considerable,

How certain, or how dubious the reports are which we hear.