The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

The Minor is past controversy.

The Minor is past controversie.

Obj. But if God have not finem quaerentis, then in every instant he enjoyeth his end: and if so, then he useth no means at all: for what need any means be used for that end, which is not sought but still enjoyed. And consequently, where there is no means there is no end.

Answ. As finis signifieth nothing but effectum, viz. perfectionem operis, which is but finis terminativus; so it is not always at present attained; and God may be said to use means, that is, subordinate efficients or instruments to accomplish it. But as it signifieth causam finalem, scil. cujus amore res fit, so far as it may (without all imperfection) be ascribed to him, he must be said continually to enjoy it: And yet to use means for it, but not as wanting it, but in the same instant using and enjoying: that is, He constantly communicateth himself to his creatures, and constantly loveth himself so communicated. He is the first efficient and ultimate end, without any interposing instant of Time, (were Eternity divisible) but in order of Nature, he is the Efficient before he is the End enjoyed, but not before the End intended. He still sendeth forth the beams of his own Glory, and still taketh pleasure in them so sent forth: His works may be increased and attain perfection, (called finem operis by some) but his Complacency is not increased or perfected in his works, but is always perfect: As if the Sun took constant pleasure in its own emitted light and heat, though the effects of both on things below were most various. God is still pleased in that which still is, in all his own works, though his works may grow up to more perfection.