Page:A Discourse of Constancy in Two Books Chiefly containing Consolations Against Publick Evils.pdf/212

Chap. 10. Sin, or to speak it fully with the Græcians a punishment not a revenge, for that Gracious Diety

As that Impious Poet said piously. As Death is sometimes sent in Mercy to good Men before they sin: So to the incorrigeable wicked in the midst of their Sins, because they are so devoted to them, that unless they be cut off, they cannot be divorced. God therefore stops their unbridled course, and while they are commiting sin for the present, and designing others for the future; he mercifully takes them away. To conclude all punishment is good, as it respects justice, as on the contrary impunity is evil, which makes Men sinful, that is miserable Men to continue so longer. Boetius said well, wicked Rh