The Institution of Christian Religion

But as touching things to come, Solomon doth well bring in agreement §4together the purposes of men with the Providence of God. For as he laugheth to scorn their folly, which boldly do enterprise any thing without the Lord, as though they were not ruled by his hand: so in an other place he speaketh in this manner.¹ The heart of man purposeth his way, but the Lord doeth direct his steppes, meaning that we are not hindered by the eternal Decrees of God, but that under his will we may both provide for our selves, and dispose all things belonging to us. And that is not without a manifest reason. For he that hath limited our life within appointed bounds, hath therewithal left with us the care thereof, hath furnished us with means and helps to preserve it, hath made us to have knowledge before hand of dangers, and that they should not oppress us unaware, he hath given us provisions and remedies. Now it is plain to see what is our duty: that is to say: If God hath committed to us our own life to defend, our duty is to defend it. If he offer us helps, our duty is to use them. If he show us dangers before, our duty is not to run rashly into them. If he minister us remedies, our duty is not to neglect them. But no danger shall hurt, unless it be fatal, which by all remedies can not be overcome. But what if dangers be therefore not fatal, because God hath assigned thee remedies to repulse & overcome them? See how thy manner of reasoning agreeth with the order of Gods disposition. Thou gatherest that danger is not to be taken heed of, because forasmuch as it is not fatal, we shall escape it without taking heed at all: but the Lord doeth therefore enjoin thee to take heed of it, because he will not have it fatal unto thee. These mad men do not consider that which is plain before their eyes, that the skill of taking coū sell and heed is inspired into men by God, whereby they may serve his Providence in preserving of their own life: as on the other side by negligence and sloth they procure to them selves those evils that he hath appointed for them.

But as touching things to come, Salomon doth well bring in agrement §4togither the purposes of men with the Prouidence of God. For as he laugheth to scorne their follye, whiche boldely doo enterprise any thyng without the Lorde, as though they were not ruled by his hande: so in an other place he speaketh in this maner.