Numbers 26

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XXVI.—It is safe to number the people, or to do any thing else, when God requires it. Sin only is dangerous: it is this that ruins and destroys, yea, brings lasting and public infamy upon such persons as might otherwise have been of great usefulness and fame. What alteration providence makes in families, tribes, and nations, and what havock death makes of mankind, in a short time! Exactly, though gradually, are the threatenings of God’s word accomplished; but, amidst all the changes of this world, his faithfulness abides the same: yea, with care and wisdom, he fixes even the outward lot of his people; and the promises of his grace are sure to all the seed; and in the enjoyment of them we ought therefore to be attentive to his sovereign disposal