CXLV expository sermons upon the whole 17th chapter of the Gospel according to St.…

Secondly, God doth not only order all conditions and passages towards us, but he doth it in reference either to our spiritual welfare or disadvantage. Rom. 8. To the godly, all things work together for their good; Whatsoever estate, mercy, or condition they are in, it's the effect of their Predestination; so that as Ordinances and Graces flow from their Predestination, so do all other their outward mercies and conditions, only here is this difference, The Graces of Gods Spirit are intrinsically apt of themselves to prepare for happiness, and so are the direct effects of it; but temporal mercies, they are not so, but propter aliud: Therefore we are not properly said to be predestinated, to be rich, to be poor, to be married, to live a single life; as we are to be holy, because these outward conditions are only indifferent in their natures, but through the grace of God, they become very serviceable to their spiritual good.

Secondly, God doth not onely order all conditions and passages towards us, but he doth it in reference either to our spirituall welfare or disadvantage. Rom. 8. To the godly, all things work together for their good; Whatsoever estate, mercy, or condition they are in, it's the effect of their Predestination; so that as Ordinances and Graces flow from their Predestination, so do all other their outward mercies and conditions, onely here is this difference, The Graces of Gods Spirit are intrinsecally apt of themselves to prepare for happinesse, and so are the direct effects of it; but temporall mercies, they are not so, but propter aliud: Therefore we are not properly said to be predestinated, to be rich, to be poor, to be married, to live a single life; as we are to be holy, because these outward conditions are only indifferent in their natures, but through the grace of God, they become very serviceable to their spiritual good.

Thirdly, Though God hath thus a wise ordering of all things, yet men by their corruptions may throw themselves into such conditions, as may prove occasions to sin unto them, and then those things are permissive only from God. Jacob had the blessing, this was of Gods appointment, but his deceitful way of obtaining it, was wholly of his own corrupt heart. David was appointed by God for a Kingdom, but then the many sinful and carnal shifts he used that was of himself. It's true, the godly even from their foolish miscarriages, if humbled, may be encouraged, God will work good to them thereby, as Joseph comforted his brethren; It was not they but