Like the puzzle that we must help ourselves,
and yet that God must help us, which seem to contradict each other. So
with this. I believe of it, as of the two others I just mentioned, that
there is no real contradiction between the two cases; and that some-when,
somehow, somewhere, in the world to come, we shall see them clearly
reconciled; and justify God in all His dealings, and glorify Him in all
His ways. But surely already, here, now, we may see our way somewhat
into the depths of this mystery. For Christ has come to give us light,
and in His light we may see light, even into this dark matter.
For see: God visits the sins of the fathers upon the children unto the
third and fourth generation--but of whom?--of them that hate Him. Now,
by those who hate God is meant, those who break His commandments, and are
bad men. If so, then, I say that God is not only just but merciful, in
visiting the sins of the fathers on the children.
For, consider two cases. Suppose these bad men, from father to son, and
from son to grandson, go on in the same evil ways, and are incorrigible.
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