The Soul's Conflict with Itself

For settling of our faith the more, God taketh liberty in using weak means to great purposes, and setteth aside more likely and able means, yea sometimes he altogether disableth the greatest means, and worketh often by no means at all. It is not from want of power in God, but from abundance & multiplying of his goodness, that he useth any means at all: there is nothing that he doth by means, but he is able to do without means.

For setling of our faith the more, God taketh liberty in using weake meanes to great purposes, and setteth aside more likely and able meanes, yea sometimes he altogether disableth the greatest meanes, and worketh often by no meanes at all. It is not from want of power in God, but from abundance & multiplying of his goodnesse, that hee useth any means at all: there is nothing that he doth by meanes, but hee is able to doe without meanes.

Nay, God often bringeth his will to pass by crossing the course and stream of means, to show his own sovereignty, and to exercise our dependence; and maketh his very enemies, the accomplishers of his own will, and so, to bring about that which they oppose most. Hence it is that we believe under hope against hope.¹

Nay, God often bringeth his will to passe by crossing the course and stream of meanes, to shew his own soveraignty, and to exercise our dependance; and maketh his very enemies, the accomplishers of his owne will, and so, to bring about that which they oppose most. Hence it is that we beleeve under hope against hope.¹

1. 1Ps. 135. 6.