The Soul's Conflict with Itself

As God is thus, so he makes it good by answerable actions and dealing towards ¹us, by his continual providence; the consideration whereof is a great stay to our faith, for by this providence God makes use of all his former excellencies for his peoples good; for the more comfortable apprehension of which, it is good to know that Gods providence is extended as far as his creation. Every creature (in every element and place whatsoever) receiveth a powerful influence from God, who doth what pleaseth him, both in heaven, and earth, in the sea, and all places; But we must know, God doth not put things into a frame, and then leave them to their own motion, as we do clocks, after we have once set them right, and ships after we have once built them, commit them to wind and ⟨p. 271⟩waves; but as he made all things, and knows all things, so (by a continued kind of creation) he preserves all things in their being and working, and governs them to their ends: He is the first mover that sets all the wheels of the creature a working: One wheel may move another, but all are moved by the first. If God moves not, the clock of the creature stands. If God should not uphold things, they would presently fall (to nothing) from whence they came. If God should not guide things, Satan's malice, and mans weakness, would soon bring all to a confusion. If God did not rule the great family of the world, all would break and fall to pieces, whereas the wise providence of God, keepeth every thing on its right hinges. All things stand in obedience to this providence of God, and nothing can withdraw it self from under it; If the creature withdraw it self from one order of providence, it falls into another; If man (the most unruly and disordered creature of all) withdraw himself from Gods gracious government ⟨p. 272⟩of him to happiness, he will soon fall under Gods just government of him to deserved misery; If he shakes off Gods sweet yoke, he puts himself under Satan's heavy yoke, who (as Gods executioner) hardens him to destruction; and so whiles he rushes against Gods will, he fulfils it. And whilst he will not willingly do Gods will, Gods will is done upon him against his will.

As God is thus, so he makes it good by answerable actions and dealing towards