A90293:109
Theomachia autexousiastikē
Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianism. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddess contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the main errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their own writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By John Owen, Master of Arts of Queens College in Oxon.Theomachia autexousiastikē: or, A display of Arminianisme. Being a discovery of the old Pelagian idol free-will, with the new goddesse contingency, advancing themselves, into the throne of the God of heaven to the prejudice of his grace, providence, and supreme dominion over the children of men. Wherein the maine errors of the Arminians are laid open, by which they are fallen off from the received doctrine of all the reformed churches, with their opposition in divers particulars to the doctrine established in the Church of England. Discovered out of their owne writings and confessions, and confuted by the Word of God. / By Iohn Owen, Master of Arts of Queens Colledge in Oxon.
London: printed by I.L. for Phil. Stephens, 1643
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Thirdly, his supreme dominion, exerciseth it self in disposing of all things, to certain and determinate ends for his own glory: and is chiefly discerned, advancing it self over those things which are most contingent: and making them in some sort necessary, inasmuch as they are certainly disposed of to some proposed ends: between the birth and death of a man, how many things merely contingent do occur? how many chances; how many diseases, in their own nature all evitable; and in regard of the event not one of them but to some prove mortal: yet certain it is, that a mans days are determined, the number of his months are with the Lord, he hath appointed his bounds which he cannot pass: Job 14. 5. And oftentimes by things purely contingent and accidental, he executeth his purposes, bestoweth rewards, inflicteth punishments, and accomplisheth his judgements; as when he delivereth a man to be slain by the head of an axe, flying from the helve in the hand of a man cutting a tree by the way: but in nothing is this more evident, then in the ancient casting of lots, a thing as casual and accidental as can be imagined, huddled in the Cap at a venture; yet God overruleth them to the declaring of his purpose, freeing truth from doubts, and manifestation of his power, Prov. 16. 33. The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing of it is from the Lord: as you may see in the examples of Achan: Josh. 7. 16, 17. Saul, 1 Sam. 10. 21. Jonathan, 1 Sam. 14. 41. Jonah, chap. 1. 8. Matthias, Act. 1. 26. And yet this overruling act of Gods providence, (as no other decree or act of his) doth not rob things contingent of their proper nature: for cannot he who effectually causeth that they shall come to pass, cause also that they shall come to pass contingently.
Thirdly, his supreame dominion, exerciseth it selfe in disposing of all things, to certaine and determinate ends for his owne glory: and is chiefly discerned, advancing it self over those things which are most contingent: and making them in some sort necessary, inasmuch as they are certainly disposed of to some proposed ends: betweene the birth and death of a man, how many things meerely contingent doe occurre? how many chances; how many diseases, in their owne nature all evitable; and in regard of the event not one of them but to some prove mortall: yet certaine it is, that a mans dayes are determined, the number of his moneths are with the Lord, he hath appointed his bounds which he cannot passe: