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

Her time drawing near that she was even ready to lye down, there cometh an Edict from the Emperor Augustus (minding only his own glory, and the increase of his Treasures) that all the World should be taxed, every one in their own City: so as Mary being of the House and Lineage of David, was enforced against her will to repair unto Bethlehem, there to be taxed with her kindred, intending nothing less then that which fell out afterwards; for it is expressly noted, that she went with another mind, to obey the Edict of Caesar: but contrary to her purpose, God fulfilled his, by leading her, as it were blind-fold, to the place where Christ should be borne. And so His counsel took effect, where all counsel of man did fail.

Her time drawing neere that shee was euen readie to lye downe, there commeth an Edict from the Emperour Augustus (minding onely his owne glorie, and the increase of his Treasures) that all the World should bee taxed, euery one in their owne Citie: so as Mary being of the House and Lineage of Dauid, was inforced against her will to repayre vnto Bethlehem, there to be taxed with her kindred, intending nothing lesse then that which fell out afterwards; for it is expresly noted, that shee went with another minde, to obey the Edict of Caesar: but contrarie to her purpose, God fulfilled his, by leading her, as it were blind-fold, to the place where Christ should bee borne. And so His counsell tooke effect, where all counsell of man did faile.

As for those places which seem to cross this Doctrine of Gods free and absolute working, and to carry a show, as if he were sometimes hindered of his Creatures from doing his own will: as, I will ^xnot the death of a sinner; and, How ^yoft would I have gathered you together, and you would not? The ^zPharisees and Lawyers made void the counsel of God towards them, &c. They only teach what God is pleased with, and whereunto he inviteth and calleth all men, not what he purposeth to work in every one by his grace and holy Spirit.