Discourses upon the Existence and Attributes of God

4. This is evident in neglecting to take Gods direction upon emergent occasions. This follows the Text, [none did seek God]. When we consult not with him, but trust more to our own Will and Counsel, we make our selves our own Governors and Lords, independent upon him: As though we could be our own Counsellors, and manage our Concerns without his leave and assistance; as though our works were in our own hands and not in the hands of God, ^*that we can by our own strength and sagacity direct them to a successful end without him. If we must acquaint our selves with God before we decree a thing;^* then to decree a thing without acquainting God with it, is to prefer our purblind wisdom before the infinite Wisdom of God; to resolve without consulting God, is to depose God, and deify self, our own wit and strength. We would rather like Lot follow our own humour and stay in Sodom, than observe the Angels order to go out of it.

4. This is evident in neglecting to take Gods direction upon emergent occasions. This follows the Text, [none did seek God]. When we consult not with him, but trust more to our own Will and Counsel, we make our selves our own Governours and Lords, independent upon him: As though we could be our own Counsellors, and manage our Concerns without his leave and assistance; as though our works were in our own hands and not in the hands of God, ^*that we can by our own strength and sagacity direct them to a successful end without him. If we must acquaint our selves with God before we decree a thing;^* then to decree a thing without acquainting God with it, is to prefer our purblind wisdom before the infinite Wisdom of God; to resolve without consulting God, is to depose God, and deifie self, our own wit and strength. We would rather like Lot follow our own humor and stay in Sodom, than observe the Angels order to go out of it.

1. *Eccles. 9.1.