A Body of Divinity, Vol. 1 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger CatechismRidgley, Thomas
Religion
A Body of Divinity, Vol. 1 (of 4): Wherein the doctrines of the Christian religion are explained and defended, being the substance of several lectures on the Assembly's Larger Catechism
beings;—when we consider all this, can we doubt but the earth is
disposed and governed by one intending Cause? If in a large house,
wherein are many mansions, and a vast variety of inhabitants, there
appears exact order, all from the highest to the lowest continually
attending their proper business, and all lodged and constantly
provided for suitably to their several conditions, we find ourselves
obliged to acknowledge one wise œconomy. And if in a great city or
commonwealth there be a perfectly regular administration, so that not
only the whole society enjoys an undisturbed peace, but every member
has the station assigned him which he is best qualified to fill; the
unenvied chiefs constantly attend their more important cares, served
by the busy inferiors, who have all a suitable accommodation, and food
convenient for them, the very meanest ministering to the public
utility and protected by the public care; if, I say, in such a
community we must conclude there is a ruling Counsel, which if not
naturally, yet is politically one, and, unless united, could not
produce such harmony and order, much more have we reason to recognize
one governing Intelligence in the earth, in which there are so many
ranks of beings disposed of in the most convenient manner, having all
their several provinces appointed to them, and their several kinds and
degrees of enjoyment liberally provided for, without encroaching upon,
but rather being mutually useful to each other, according to a settled
and obvious subordination. What else can account for this but a
sovereign Wisdom, a common provident nature, presiding over, and
caring for the whole?
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