The sum of sacred divinity briefly & methodically propoundedThe summe of sacred diuinitie briefly & methodically propounded

The fourth is, touching the Lords most free and absolute stroke in this whole dispensation.

Lastly, That all this is proper unto God, within the compass of one▪ of which will fall whatsoever we are to speak, concerning the Government and Kingdom of God. The Apostle in that one sentence elegantly comprehendeth all: for in saying, Him that worketh, &c. meaning God, he showeth the supreme cause before assigned, and maketh it proper to God, by calling him as it were by that name, and saying all things, he leaveth nothing free. Now where he addeth; recording to the purpose, & after the counsel: he giveth to understand, that nothing is wrought but that which is decreed, nothing decreed, but in time it is effected. In which words, of purpose & counsel, the Eternity of this Decree is also included, as fore-running all his Works, yea, the first work of Creation it self. Lastly, the free-will of God is expressed in adding, after the counsel of his will: But for a better view to be taken of them all, let us handle these three apart. Therefore to begin with his Purposes, or Decrees, observe in them three things.

Lastly, That all this is proper vnto God, within the compasse of one▪ of which will fall whatsoeuer wee are to speake, concerning the Gouernment and Kingdome of God. The Apostle in that one sentence elegantly comprehendeth all: for in saying, Him that worketh, &c. meaning God, he sheweth the supreme cause before assigned, and maketh it proper to God, by calling him as it were by that name, and saying all things, hee leaueth nothing free. Now where he addeth; recording to the purpose, & after the counsell: he giueth to vnderstand, that nothing is wrought but that which is decreed, nothing decreed, but in time it is effected. In which words, of purpose & counsell, the Eternity of this Decree is also included, as fore-running all his Works, yea, the first worke of Creation it selfe. Lastly, the free-will of God is expressed in adding, after the counsell of his will: But for a better view to be taken of them all, let vs handle these three apart. Therefore to begin with his Purposes, or Decrees, obserue in them three things.