An exposition with practical observations continued upon the thirty-fifth, thirty-sixth, and thirty-seventh chapters of…

It may be matter of much comfort to us, that all things are ordered by God, that he disposeth of Thunder and Lightning, of Rain and Wind, of Snow and Frost; much more may it comfort us, that he disposeth the affairs of men, of his Church and People. Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world (Acts 15.18.) and therefore the Prophet brings in the Lo•d thus speaking of himself (Isa. 46.9, 10.) I am God and there is none else, I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done. He that knoweth what the end of all things will be, must needs dispose of all second causes, and intermediate acts leading thereunto. The reason why men often mis-reckon and fail of their expectation about the ends and issues of things, is, because they have not all the means in their power, yea, I may say, they have not any of the means fully, no nor at all in their own power. The way of man is not in himself, how then can his ends be? only God knoweth what shall be the conclusion, because he hath the full disposure of all the premises, means, and ways, by which the conclusion is brought about. Let us adore and consider the power of God, as well in disposing of the creature, as in making of it.

It may be matter of much comfort to us, that all things are ordered by God, that he disposeth of Thunder and Lightning, of Rain and Wind, of Snow and Frost; much more may it comfort us, that he disposeth the affaires of men, of his Church and People. Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world (Acts 15.18.) and therefore the Prophet brings in the Lo•d thus speaking of himself (Isa. 46.9, 10.) I am God and there is none else, I am God and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done. He that knoweth what the end of all things will be, must needs dispose of all second causes, and intermediate acts leading thereunto. The reason why men often mis-reckon and faile of their expectation about the ends and issues of things, is, because they have not all the means in their power, yea, I may say, they have not any of the means fully, no nor at all in their own power. The way of man is not in himself, how then can his ends be? only God knoweth what shall be the conclusion, because he hath the full disposure of all the premises, means, and wayes, by which the conclusion is brought about. Let us adore and consider the power of God, as well in disposing of the creature, as in making of it.