God sifted a whole nation that he might send choice grain over into this wilderness.

Election Sermon at Boston, April 29, 1669.
In: New-Englands true interest not to lie (1670), p. 19

Other versions:
God hath sifted a nation that he might send choice grain into this wilderness.
God Sifted Three Nations, that He might bring choice Grain into this Wilderness

See also God had sifted three kingdoms ...