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 To proceed, now, with our general subject. It may next be said, perhaps, that the difficulties which Scripture presents, in regard to the divine wisdom and goodness, are not confined to certain phrases and expressions, but that they embrace also the records of institutions established, and of actions performed or enjoined, by Jehovah. Deeds, it may be said, speak louder than words; and are not many of the strange ordinances enjoined upon the Israelites, for instance, and the cruel acts imposed upon them as duties, of a character revolting to our ideas of mercy and goodness? Look, for example, at the sacrificial worship, instituted amongst the Israelitish people, in which great numbers of innocent animals were continually slaughtered as offerings to Jehovah; and again, at the seemingly cruel command to destroy their enemies, the Canaanites, men, women, and children, and to leave nothing alive: how can such instructions be reconciled with the character of a Being of essential love and goodness? We will briefly consider these two points.