A plain and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…A plaine and familiar exposition of the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth chapters of the…

Reason 1 First, the holy and only wise God cannot possibly do any thing that is vain, and fit for nothing, as every thing is that serveth not for his glory. A prudent man will aim at some use of those things which he taketh in hand, and therefore much more will he which maketh men prudent, and giveth them their wisdom, and can turn all things to such use as best pleaseth him.

Reason 1 First, the holy and only wise God cannot possibly doe any thing that is vaine, and fit for nothing, as euery thing is that serueth not for his glory. A prudent man will aime at some vse of those things which hee taketh in hand, and therefore much more will he which maketh men prudent, and giueth them their wisdome, and can turne all things to such vse as best pleaseth him.

Secondly, the Lord is provident for his creatures in all his works, and regardeth their good, especially of the principal and most excellent, as men and Angels: Now he respecteth none so much as his own honour, nor matcheth any in equality with himself; for whatsoever happiness is conferred upon them, it is subordinate to his praise: and that is the scope and chief end whereunto all other ends and proceedings are directed.

Secondly, the Lord is prouident for his creatures in all his workes, and regardeth their good, especially of the principall and most excellent, as men and Angels: Now hee respecteth none so much as his owne honour, nor matcheth any in equality with himselfe; for whatsoeuer happinesse is conferred vpon them, it is subordinate to his praise: and that is the scope and chiefe end whereunto all other ends and proceedings are directed.

Use 1 Instruction, to observe matter in all his works and ways, whereby we may be moved to yield him that praise which is proportionable to the object offered unto us. If we see punishments executed, there is cause that we should be humbled, and made to tremble at his justice: if mercies be performed, let us bless his name for his goodness. And so when things come to pass that are stranger than we thought of, or greater than we expected, let us wonder at his wisdom, and be guided by it; and magnify his power, and repose upon it.