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

Therefore as the free and cheerful obedience of Gods Children, so renowned ^lin the Scripture, receiveth no blemish or disgrace, because whatsoever they do, was necessary to be done in respect of his Decree, no more can the wicked fetch from hence any excuse or pretence for their wickedness, to say, I have done nothing but that which God hath appointed: and who can resist his will? For first, God doth not at all will sin, as it is sin: for this is contrary to his most pure and just nature: nor doth decree, that wicked actions shall be done in respect of their wickedness and maliciousness; in which sense only they are evil: but as there is some good in the action, which is not at all intended or thought upon by him that doth it. And secondly, although in regard of Gods counsel, it be necessary that those actions which are wicked and sinful, should come to pass, yet in thee the sin is voluntary, and he disposeth of that most justly which thou committest wretchedly, not serving his providence, but thine own vile affections: for though thou willest and doest the things that God hath decreed, to make a holy use of, and would have in some respect done, yet thy will is not carried with an intent of obedience to his will. It ^mwas from God, that the Kingdom of Israel was rent in sunder, and ten of the Tribes given to another, for the just punishment of Solomons sin: but the sin aswell of foolish ⁿRehoboam came between, following the rash and heady advice of children, and rejecting the sage & grave advice of the wise Counsellors of his Father; as of the people ^othemselves that set up Jeroboam, with a rebellious mind against the house of David. In which respect God ^prenounceth to have any part in this their Action. They set up Kings, but not from me, they make Princes which I know not.

Therefore as the free and cheerfull obedience of Gods Children, so renowned ^lin the Scripture, receiueth no blemish or disgrace, because whatsoeuer they do, was necessarie to bee done in respect of his Decree, no more can the wicked fetch from hence any excuse or pretence for their wickednesse, to say, I haue done nothing but that which God hath appointed: and who can resist his will? For first, God doth not at all will sinne, as it is sinne: for this is contrarie to his most pure and iust nature: nor doth decree, that wicked actions shall bee done in respect of their wickednes and maliciousnesse; in which sence onely they are euill: but as there is some good in the action, which is not at all intended or thought vpon by him that doth it. And secōdly, although in regard of Gods counsell, it be necessarie that those actions which are wicked and sinfull, should come to passe, yet in thee the sinne is voluntarie, and hee disposeth of that most iustly which thou cōmittest wretchedly, not seruing his prouidence, but thine owne vile affections: for though thou willest and doest the things that God hath decreed, to make a holy vse of, and would haue in some respect done, yet thy will is not carryed with an intent of obedience to his will. It