Wicked Men, instrumental for the good of Gods Children. [ 797]
SOlinus writeth of Hypanis,* 1.1 a Scythian River, that the water thereof is very bit∣ter as it passeth through Exampius, yet very sweet in the Spring; So the Cup of trembling, which is offered to the children of God, is often very bitter at the se∣cond hand, as it is ministred unto them by prophane Persons,* 1.2 such as are haters of God, and despisers of goodn••sse; yet is it sweet at the first hand, as it is sent them from Heaven; What Christ spake to Pilate, vaunting of the Power and Authority that he had over him, the feeblest Christian may reply to the greatest Potentate on Earth, Thou couldst have no power at all against me, unlesse it were given thee from above; the wicked may have a will to hurt them, but power they have none,* 1.3 unlesse it be given them from above by God, who can and doth usually execute his judgements by unjust Ministers, by the very worst of Men, and let them intend never so much evill, plot never so much mischiefe against his servants, yet he will turn it to their good.