The intelligent and careful reader of Scripture history cannot fail to perceive one fact—one which is eminently vindicatory of God's mercy—that divine punishment is invariably preceded by divine warning. This is notably exemplified in the case of Noah, who was "a preacher of righteousness" 120 years, and who, being inspired of God, forewarned the inhabitants of the earth of a universal deluge, and invited them all to share with him in a sure means of salvation.