Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

As every Sovereign state demands the Goods of their Subjects for the public advantage in a case of exigency, though none of that wealth was gained by any public Office, but by their private industry, and gained in a Country, not subject to the Dominion of those, that require a portion of them. By this right, he changes strangely the scene of the world, sometimes those that are high, are reduced to a mean and ignominious condition, those that are mean, are advanced to a state of Plenty and Glory. The Counter which in accounting signifies now but a penny, is presently raised up to signify a pound. The proud Ladies of Israel instead of a Girdle of curious needle-work, are brought to make use of a Cord; as the vulgar Translates Rent, a rag or list of Cloth. Isaiah 3.24. And Sack-cloth for a stomacher instead of Silk. This is the Sovereign act of God, as he is Lord of the world. Psal. 71.6, 7. Promotion comes neither from the East, nor from the West, nor from the South, but God is Judge, he pulls down one, and sets up another. He doth no wrong to any man, if he lets him languish out his days in poverty, and disgrace. If he gives, or takes away, he meddles with nothing, but what is his own more than ours. If he did dispense his benefits equally to all, men would soon think it their due. The inequality and changes preserve the notion of Gods Sovereignty, and correct our natural unmindfulness of it; if there were no changes, God would not be feared as the King of all the Earth. Psal. 55.19. To this might also be referred his investing some Countries with greater Riches in their Bowels and on the surface. The disposing some in the fruitful and pleasant Regions of Canaan or Italy, while he settles others in the Icy and barren parts of the Northern Climates.

As every Soveraign state demands the Goods of their Subjects for the publick advantage in a case of exigency, though none of that wealth was gain'd by any publick Office, but by their private industry, and gain'd in a Countrey, not subject to the Dominion of those, that require a portion of them. By this right, he changes strangely the scene of the world, sometimes those that are high, are reduc'd to a mean and ignominious condition, those that are mean, are advanc'd to a state of Plenty and Glory. The Counter which in accounting signifies now but a penny, is presently rais'd up to signifie a pound. The proud Ladies of Israel instead of a Girdle of curious needle-work, are brought to make use of a Cord; as the vulgar Translates Rent, a rag or list of Cloth.