A09411:195
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor…An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour…
An exposition of the Symbol or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenor of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodox Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.An exposition of the Symbole or Creed of the Apostles according to the tenour of the Scriptures, and the consent of orthodoxe Fathers of the Church. By William Perkins.
Cambridge: printed by John Legatt, 1595Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legatt, 1595
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.
The especial providence is that, which God showeth and exerciseth towards his Church and chosen people,1 in gathering and guiding them, and in preserving them by his mighty power against the gates of hell. And therefore Gods Church here upon earth is called the kingdom of grace, in which he shows not only a general power over his creatures, but withal the special operation of his spirit in bowing & bending the hearts of men to his will.
The especiall prouidence is that, which God sheweth and exerciseth towards his Church and chosen people,1 in gathering and guiding them, and in preserving them by his mightie power against the gates of hell. And therefore Gods Church here upon earth is called the kingdome of grace, in which he shewes not onely a generall power ouer his creatures, but withall the special operation of his spirite in bowing & bending the hearts of men to his will.
Thus much concerning the doctrine of Gods providence. Now follows the duties. First seeing there is a providence of God over every thing that is, we are hereby taught to take good heed of the transgression of the least of Gods commandments. If men were persuaded that the prince had an eye every where, doubtless many subjects in England would walk more obediently to the laws of the land then they do: and durst in no wise work such villainies as are daily practised. Well, howsoever it is with earthly princes, yet this is least wanting in God: he hath an eye every where: wheresoever thou art there god beholdeth thee, as David saith, God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand and seek God.