2.) That future distributive justice would differ not in _kind_, but in degree only, from God’s present government. It would be the _effect_, towards which we see the _tendency_. 3.) That higher rewards and punishments _may be_ hereafter. 4.) That we should _expect_ it to be so; because the tendencies of vice and virtue are immutable, while the hinderances are only artificial. SUMMARY. [This enumerates the steps of the argument, in the foregoing chapter, in as condensed a form as possible.] CHAPTER IV. OF A STATE OF PROBATION. The doctrine of probation comprehends several particulars. But the most common notion is that our future interests are _depending_; and depending on _ourselves_. And that we have _opportunities_ for both good and bad conduct, and _temptations_ to each. This is not exactly the same as our being under moral government; for it implies allurement to evil, and difficulties in being good. Hence needs to be considered by itself. _Doctrine._ THE NATURAL GOVERNMENT OF GOD, IN THIS WORLD, PUTS US ON TRIAL AS TO THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD; AND SO IMPLIES, WHAT RELIGION TEACHES, THAT HIS MORAL GOVERNMENT PUTS US ON TRIAL AS TO A FUTURE WORLD. I. _So far as we are tempted to do what will damage our future temporal interests, so far we are under probation as to those interests._ =1.= The annexing of pleasures and pains to actions, as good or bad, and enabling us to foresee their effect, implies that our interests, in part at least, depend on ourselves. =2.= We often _blame_ ourselves and others for evils, as resulting from misconduct. =3.= It is very certain that we often miss possible good, and incur evils, not for want of knowing better, but through our _fault_. =4.= Every one speaks of the hazards of young persons, from other causes than ignorance. II. _These natural or temporal trials are analogous to our moral and religious trial._ =1.= In both cases, what constitutes the trial, is either in our circumstances or in our nature. 1.) Some would do right but for violent or extraordinary temptations. 2.) Others will _seek_ evil, and go out of their way after wicked indulgence, when there are no external temptations. 3.) But even those who err through temptation, must have that within which makes them _susceptible_ of temptation. 4.) So that we are in a like state of probation with respect to both present and future interests. =2.= If we proceed to observe how mankind behave in both capacities, we see the same analogy. 1.) Some scarcely look beyond the present gratification. 2.) Some are driven by their passions against their better judgment and feeble resolutions. 3.) Some shamelessly go on in open vice. 4.) Some persist in wrong-doing, even under strong apprehensions of future misery. =3.= The analogy is no less plain in regard to the influence of others upon us.