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already known ; and these reasons, though at first rejected, 

 were yet proved by subsequent experience, and were the 

 causes and beginnings of the greatest events. 



XCIII. Let us begin from God, and show that our pur 

 suit from its exceeding goodness clearly proceeds from him, 

 the author of good and father of light. Now, in all divine 

 works the smallest beginnings lead assuredly to some result, 

 and the remark in spiritual matters that &quot;the kingdom of 

 God cometh without observation,&quot; is also found to be true 

 in every great work of Divine Providence, so that every 

 thing glides quietly on without confusion or noise, and the 

 matter is achieved before men either think or perceive that 

 it is commenced. Nor should we neglect to mention the 

 prophecy of Daniel, of the last days of the world, &quot;Many 

 shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased, &quot; 

 thus plainly hinting and suggesting that fate (which is 

 Providence) would cause the complete circuit of the globe 

 (now accomplished, or at least going forward by means of 

 so many distant voyages), and the increase of learning to 

 happen at the same epoch. 



XC1Y. We will next give a most potent reason for hope 

 deduced from the errors of the past, and the ways still un- 

 attempted; for well was an ill-governed state thus reproved, 

 &quot;That which is worst with regard to the past should appear 

 most consolatory for the future; for if you had done all 

 that your duty commanded, and your affairs proceeded no 

 better, you could not even hope for their improvement; 

 but since their present unhappy situation is not owing to 

 the force of circumstances, but to your own errors, you have 

 reason to hope that by banishing or correcting the latter 



65 Daniel xii. 4. 



SCIENCE Vol. 



