The divine will considered in its eternal decrees, and holy execution of them. By…

1. The permission of sin in Reprobates. 2. The permission of the Finality of sin.

1. The permission of sin in them is decreed. Now what is this permission? 'Tis not an Ethical permission, as if they might sin by a Law; for this were to unsin sin. 'Tis not a mere dreaming Speculation, as the sleeper suffered Tares among ⟨p. 97⟩the Wheat; for divine Providence never slumbers nor sleeps. 'Tis neither a simple Volition, for then God would hinder sinful actions from coming into being; nor yet a simple Volition, for then God should be the Cause and Author of sin. 'Tis not such a permission of sin, as if Reprobates had no remora's at all in their sinning; for every beam of Light, item in Conscience, rod of Affliction, striving of the holy Spirit, and particle of holy Means is a kind of impediment cast in their perverse way. But Permission is an Act of Providence issuing forth from God, not as he is a righteous Legislator, but as he is the supreme Rector and Provisor, moderating in all Events. Hence the Scripture owns God's mission in Joseph's sale, Gen. 45. 5. Gods commission in Ahab's seduction, 1 Kings 22. 22. God's bidding in Shimei's Cursing, 2. Sam. 16. 11. and God's hand and counsel in Christ's crucifixion, Acts 4. 28. More particularly; 'tis such an Act of Providence as carries with it, First, an Administration of such objects and circumstances; which are good in themselves; yet occasionally like Achan's golden Wedge draw out mens corruption into act; Then a suspension or nondonation ⟨p. 98⟩of such Grace and Means as would effectually and de facto prevent the commission of sin; Next, an actual concurrence of the Holy One to the Material Act or Entity of sin, though not in the least Measure to the anomy or sinfulness thereof; And withal a bounding sin in its measure and duration, and ordering sin to his own Glory. Thus God permits sin, and permits it Volent: for none will say that he doth it Nolent; therefore all must say, that he doth it Volent. And in all this, neither can the Reprobate ery out of hard measure; for in the same manner God permits the sins of the Elect: Nor can the least blot light upon the holy One; for which of all these may he not justly do? May not he marshal objects? Then he may do nothing in his own World. Not so much as proclaim his Law; for sin will take occasion thereby: No, nor his Gospel neither; for Grace will be turned into wantonness. May not he suspend his Efficacious Grace? Then Grace is not his own;