A01545:593
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theologicalOf the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall
Of the nature and use of lots a treatise historical and theological; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolns Inn, and now pastor of Rotherhith.Of the nature and vse of lots a treatise historicall and theologicall; written by Thomas Gataker B. of D. sometime preacher at Lincolnes Inne, and now pastor of Rotherhith.
London: printed by Edward Griffin, 1619
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
In holy writ we find that they have sometime been used for the discovery of some hidden truth in things present or past, and that either in matter of distribution, or of retribution; of office or of justice.
In holy writ wee finde that they haue sometime beene vsed for the discouery of some hidden truth in things present or past, and that either in matter of distribution, or of retribution; of office or of iustice.
In the former case they have been used to discover and make known, whom God deemeth fittest, or hath secretly fore-assigned to some place or estate. And herein is the difference between the former used ordinarily in election of officers and disposition of offices, and the use of those in these cases that now we entreat of; that in the former it being in the power of the parties choosing to choose where they list and like best, they agree to make their election by Lot, and there is nothing else required of the Lot, but to light upon any one of those that are by them propounded; whereas as in these latter it is not wholly in their power, but either there is required the further consent of some other whose good-will they are uncertain of and seek to know it by Lot, or the choice is to be made by Gods special appointment, whose secret will and purpose they desire by this means to discover.
In the former case they haue beene vsed to discouer and make knowne, whom God deemeth fittest, or hath secretly fore-assigned to some place or estate. And herein is the difference betweene the former vsed ordinarily in election of officers and disposition of offices, and the vse of those in these cases that now we entreate of; that in the former it being in the power of the parties choosing to chuse where they list and like best, they agree to make their election by Lot, and there is nothing else required of the Lot, but to light vpon any one of those that are by them propounded; whereas as in these latter it is not wholy in their power, but either there is required the further consent of some other whose good-will they are vncertaine of and seeke to know it by Lot, or the choise is to be made by Gods speciall appointment, whose secret will and purpose they desire by this meanes to discouer.