Christian Theology - Media Sabda Org

general laws, he chooses often to act supernaturally; that is,
independently of, or against, these general laws, that we may see that
there is a God who does not confine himself to one way of working, but
with means, without means, and even against natural means,
accomplishes the gracious purposes of his mercy in the behalf of man.
Where God has promised, let him be implicitly credited, because he
cannot lie; and let not hasty nature intermeddle with his work.
If there be laws which God has imposed on the universe, whether they
be general or particular, they must have their action and efficiency from
HIMSELF; and whatever be the mode according to which he governs, he
himself must be the energy by which the government is administered; and
therefore it is not general not particular laws which govern the world, but
the great, wise, and holy God, governing according to a particular mode
of his own devising; and according to which he is disposed to work.
Properly speaking, he governs, not by either general or particular laws,
but by his own infinite wisdom, adapting his operations to all those
circumstances and occurrences which are ever before him, and ever under
his direction and control; "from seeming evil still educing good—and
better still in infinite progression." As all matter and spirit were created
by him, and all that he has created he upholds, so all matter and spirit are
governed by him. Every thing, therefore, is under his continual
superintendence or governance: and as that governance is wise, holy, and
good, so whatever is governed by it is governed in the best manner, and
conducted to the best end.
It is granted that sin has a mighty power; and that Satan, who arms
himself with the vile affections of man, and rules in the uncleanness of
the heart, has a mighty power also. But what is power, however great,
however malevolent, however well circumstanced to accomplish the
purposes of its malevolence, when opposed by infinite Potency! All
power must originally emanate from God. Power, in the above sense,
must be lodged in, and must be exercised by, some intelligent being.
Now, all such things, as well as others, must be dependent on Him who
is the Fountain whence they were derived. Hence, they can neither exist