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entire scheme, not only of revelation, but of nature itself, is an inexplicable enigma. Assuredly then, as to the sufferings of those innocents, whom we may suppose to have perished at the destruction of the Canaanites, we may admit them credible, because they are analogous to the whole course of nature and the tenor of Providence; and we may rest assured, the same divine Power, which commanded their infliction, has abundantly repaid them by an eternal recompence. They form therefore no impeachment on the justice or mercy of God.

Thus we have considered how far this part of the divine œconomy can be vindicated, as it regards the Canaanites themselves; and I trust it has appeared, that the idolatry, pollutions and cruelty, of these nations were so abominable, and at the same time so incorrigible, as to justify the moral Governor of the universe in inflicting on them the most signal and severe punishments, even to extermination, without affording any longer period of trial, or any immediate offer of pardon and mercy: though there is a strong probability, that previous to this infliction of

final

final vengeance, an opportunity was given them of accepting the peace, offered by the Israelites, on condition of renouncing idolatry, and yielding their country to the chosen people of God, to whom the Governor of the world had assigned this promised land, by a grant as clear, as the divine authority, from which it proceeded, was supreme a grant confirmed by the most signal miracles, which were certainly known to the inhabitants of Canaan, who were thus forewarned of the divine authority on which their submission was required, and the punishment which would await their resistance.

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That this national punishment, provoked by national guilt, should involve innocent individuals, even smiling babes and infant children, is perfectly analogous to the general course of Providence, and forms no objection to the justice or mercy of that God, who will assuredly take care to rectify all inequality of this life, at that final manifestation of his majesty, when he shall take to himself all power and reign, by rendering to every one according to their works,

PART III.

LECTURE I.

SECT. II.

LECT. I.

SECT. II.

It is not incredible that God should have chosen to exterminate

the Canaanites by the sword of the Jews, rather than by any other means, and that he should have commanded the Jews to inflict such extermination.

PART III.

LECT. I

SECT. II.

DEUTERONOMY, vii. 2.

"WHEN the Lord thy God shall deliver them before thee, "thou shalt smite them and utterly destroy them, for

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they will turn away thy son from following me, that

they may serve other gods: so will the anger of the "Lord be kindled against you, and destroy thee sud"denly."

I NOW proceed to discuss that which, I am well aware, is the most plausible part of the objection to this part of the Jewish scheme. It will still be maintained, that though the expulsion, or even the destruction of the Canaanites may have been merited and necessary, yet it is incredible God should command their extirpation by the sword of the Jews; for this would be to sanction plunder and ferociousness, national violence and personal cruelty, by a divine authority. But is it not evident, the advancers of this objection

forget,

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