THE GOODNESS OP THE DEITY. 293 



Now if this supposition be well founded ; that is, if it be 

 true, that our ultimate, or most permanent happiness, will 

 depend, not upon the temporary condition into which we 

 are cast, but upon our behaviour in it ; then is it a much 

 more fit subject of chance than we usually allow or ap- 

 prehend it to be, in what manner, the variety of external 

 circumstances, which subsists in the human world, is dis- 

 tributed amongst the individuals of the species. " This 

 life being a state of probation, it is immaterial," says Rous- 

 seau, " what kind of trials we experience in it, provided 

 they produce their effects." Of two agents, vvho stand 

 indifferent to the moral Governor of the universe, one may 

 be exercised by riches, the other by poverty. The treat- 

 ment of these two shall appear to be very opposite, whilst 

 in truth it is the same : for though in many respects there 

 be great disparity between the conditions assigned, in one 

 main article there may be none, viz. in that they are alike 

 trials : have both their duties and temptations, not less ar- 

 duous or less dangerous, in one case than the other : so that 

 if the final award follow the character, the original distribu- 

 tion of the circumstances under which that character is 

 formed, may be defended upon principles not only of jus- 

 tice but of equality. What hinders, therefore, but that man- 

 kind may draw lots for their condition 1 They take their 

 portion of faculties and opportunities, as any unknown 

 cause, or concourse of causes, or as causes acting for other 

 purposes, may happen to set them out, but the event is gov- 

 erned by that which depends upon themselves, the applica- 

 tion of what they have received. In dividing the talents, 

 no rule was observed, none was necessary : in rewarding 

 the use of them, that of the most correct justice. The chief 

 difference at last appears to be, that the right use of more 

 talents ; i. e. of a greater trust will be more highly reward- 

 ed than the right use of fewer talents, i. e. of a less trust. 

 And since, for other purposes, it is expedient, that there be an 

 inequality of concredited talents here, as well probably, as 

 an inequality of conditions hereafter, though all remuner- 



be universal. That part of mankind which never heard of Christ's 

 name, may nevertheless be redeemed, that is, be placed in abetter con- 

 dition with respect to their future state, by his intervention ; may be the 

 objects of his benignity and intercession, as well as of the propitiatory 

 virtue of his passion. But this is not " Natural Theology," therefore 

 I will not dwell longer upon it. 

 Bb 



