OF GODS PROVIDENCE.
* 1.1THE Doctrine which entreateth of gods prouidence, is ioyned with the place which entreateth of the creation: Be∣cause the prouidence, that is, the pre∣seruation and gouernement of thinges, dooth not differ from creation in the thing it selfe: for that there is but one and the same wil or power, or action of God, whereby things both beginne to be, and continue: but they differ in conside∣ration onelie. For the omnipotent will of GOD is called crea∣tion, in respect of the beginning, when thinges by the force and power of his will tooke their beeing: it is called prouidence, as by the selfe-same power thinges are pre∣serued. Wherefore prouidence is the continuaunce and accomplishment of creation, or creation it selfe continued and perpetuated. For as no thinges would euer haue bin except GOD hadde created them: so neither woulde they retaine and keepe their beeing, neither their force of woorking, neither the verie operation it selfe or mo∣tion, if GOD did not preserue and mooue them effe∣ctuallie. And therefore the Scripture it selfe often ioy∣neth the preseruation and continuall administration of thinges with their creation, and from hence reaso∣neth for Gods prouidence. And GOD is called Ieho∣ua, not onelie because hee once gaue to euerie thing both small and great, their beeing, but also, because hee maintaineth it in all, ruleth and mooueth them so, as that hee not onelie seeth, what is doone in all things, but also causeth and inclineth them, to doe this, which he from euerlasting would euery of them to doe. And by this his prouidence hee gouerneth, administreth, ruleth and preserueth all thinges, that they be not brought to confu∣sion.