A20225:31
A platform, made for the proof of Gods providence that is, for examining of…A platforme, made for the proofe of Gods prouidence that is, for examining of…
A platform, made for the proof of Gods providence that is, for examining of the truth of this doctrine, whether God by his providence rule all things generally, and every creature and action particularly / by Arthur Dent.A platforme, made for the proofe of Gods prouidence that is, for examining of the truth of this doctrine, whether God by his prouidence rule all things generally, and euery creature and action particularly / by Arthur Dent.
London: printed by Ed. Allde for Henry Gosson, 1608
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.
Now to the second: that God by his providence governeth all and every thing.
Now to the seconde: that God by his prouidence gouerneth all and euery thing.
There are very many that can willingly grant, that God by his providence governeth all things in general, but that every particular thing is ruled by the same, they deny: with these men therefore I mind to deal somewhat largely, though not so learnedly, as the cause requireth: (& who is able to handle it worthily?) Philosophers have in this point had sundry opinions: Epicurus said, that all things were ruled by chance and fortune, and that God lived idly, and at ease in the Heavens: which opinion, as impious, all men in words condemn, and yet so we live that our lives are evident proofs against us, that in heart and soul we embrace it.
There are very many that can willingly graunt, that God by his prouidence gouerneth all things in generall, but that euery particular thing is ruled by the same, they denie: with these men therefore I minde to deale somewhat largely, though not so learnedly, as the cause requireth: (& who is able to hādle it worthily?) Philosophers haue in this point had sundry opinions: Epicurus said, that all things were ruled by chaunce and fortune, and that God liued idlely, and at ease in the Heauens: which opinion, as impious, all men in wordes condemne, and yet so we liue that our liues are euident proofes against vs, that in heart and soule wee embrace it.
For surely if we thought better of God then Epicurus did, we would not walk so directly in Epicurus paths as we do, or live so licentiously ⟨p. 8⟩as though God regarded us not.