Christian religion: substantially, methodicalli[e,] [pla]inlie, and profitablie treatised

ROM. chap. 11. vers. 36.

The creation (being the former part of the execution of Gods decree) being ended: what is the other?

Gouernment.

Rehearse the Scripture,

Rom. 11.36. 36 For of him, and through him, and for him are all things: to him be glorie for euer. Amen.

How may Gouernment be defined from this place?

* 1.1It is the execution of Gods eternall decree of all creatures which he gouerneth, with all that belong∣eth vnto them, directly to their proper ends.

It seemeth a thing vnworthie of Gods great and in∣finite maiestie, to deale and haue a hand in small

matters, as for a King to looke to the small mat∣ters of his household.

Nothing at all: for not one sparrow (whereof two are sold for a farthing) falleth without the proui∣dence of our heauenly father, not so much as a haire of our head: no (it may be truly said) not the bristle of a swine falleth, without the prouidence of God: neither is it a disgrace to the Sunne that it shineth in the foullest places.

How is that to be vnderstood then that the Apostle saith, 1. Cor. 9.9. Hath God care for oxen?

It is spoken onely by way of comparison, hauing regard to the great care hee hath of men: for in re∣spect hee commanded that they should not muzzle the mouth of the oxe that did tread out the corne, by the care he hath of oxen, he would shew that his care is much more for men, especially for the Mini∣sters of his Gospell.

But it seemeth God hath no gouernment in things that come by casualtie.

Yes verely, euen of things most subiect to chance: for the lots are cast into the bosome,* 1.2 yet the issue of them and their euents hang vpon God.

VVhat is the vse of this doctrine?

First, to breed thankfulnes to God in all things that come vnto vs according to our desire, not to sa∣crifice to our owne nets,* 1.3 or to stay our mindes in the instruments thereof, without looking vp: and this vse the Apostle expressely noteth when hee saith, to him be glorie, &c. Secondly, to cause humilitie vnder the hand of God when they come otherwise. Third∣ly, to work patience, as in the seruants of God it hath: It is the Lord, let him doe what pleaseth him.* 1.4

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

But it seemeth that the inequalitie holden in the go∣uernment of men, should proue that all things are not gouerned by the Lord, for the worst are richest oftentimes, and the best poore.

His gouernment in all things whatsoeuer is good: for he is no lesse good in his gouernment then in his creation.

If God did guide all things wee should haue no Ser∣pents and other noisome and hurtfull things; no warre, no sicknes.

They are instruments and meanes of the execu∣tion of Gods iustice and vengeance vpon men that offend against him: in which respect the Prophet saith,* 1.5 There is no euill in the citie which the Lord hath not done.

How commeth it then to passe if these be instruments of vengeance for sin, that they fall vpon the good, and rather vpon them then vpon the wicked?

The most godly hauing the remnant of sinne that dwelleth in their mortall bodies, deserue euerlasting condemnation: and therefore in this life are subiect to any of the plagues of God: As for that they are sharplier handled oftentimes then the wicked, it is to make triall of their patience, and to make shew of the graces he hath bestowed vpon them, which hee will haue knowne; and that it may bee assured that there is a iudgement of the world to come, wherein euery one shall receiue according to his doing.* 1.6

VVhat is the end or effect of this gouernment in all things whatsoeuer?

The one is, that we should feare God: farre other∣wise then the wicked conclude, which vpon that that it is taught,* 1.7 that all things come to passe by the prouidence

of God, according to that he hath decreed, would con∣clude, that then a man may giue himselfe libertie to doe any thing, considering that it must needs be exe∣cuted that God hath decreed.

The other, that which the Apostle noteth in this text, that God therefore in all things euen in the sins of men, is to bee glorified, for the good things he draweth foorth from their euill.

Hauing spoken of the duties God required of man, and whereunto he had inabled him in his creation, it followeth to speak of the fall, which is the transgression therof:

VVhat place of Scripture is that wherein this is most commodiously handled?

The third chapter of Genesis, where the first trans∣gression is set foorth, which was also the originall of all other transgressions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Zach. 4.10. Prou. 25.3. Ier. 23.23.
• * 1.2

  Prou. 16.33.
• * 1.3

  Hab. 1.16.
• * 1.4

  1. Sam. 3.18.
• * 1.5

  Amos 3.
• * 1.6

  2. Thess. 1.
• * 1.7

  Ecclesiast. 3.11.14.