In what respects it is one QUEST. LX. Of the disadvantages of those who never State of the Heathen considered No salvation without the gospel-tamen quære False grounds of hope in others This proved Objections answered Church, the word how used, (515 in a note) Its distinction into visible and invisible ibid Its concern for the children of its members 526 Jewish church, its establishment ibid Its government Its power of admission 541 The reformed churches differ about this ibid Terms of communion fixed by Christ ibid Its power of exclusion 5444 What meant by being delivered to Satan 550 and for what end Government of churches by their officers Απος όλος, Επισκοπος, Διάκονος, in a note, THE DOCTRINES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION EXPLAINED AND DEFENDED. THE WORK OF CREATION. QUEST. XIV. How doth God execute his decrees? ANSW. God executeth his decrees in the works of creation and providence, according to his infallible fore-knowledge, and the free and immutable counsel of his own will. QUEST. XV. What is the work of creation? ANSW. The work of creation is that, wherein God did, in the beginning, by the word of his power, make, of nothing, the world, and all things therein, for himself, within the space of six days, and all very good. H AVING considered God's eternal purpose, as respecting whatever shall come to pass, which is generally called an internal, or immanent act of the divine will, we are now to consider those works which are produced by him, in pursuance thereof. It is inconsistent with the idea of an infinitely perfect Being, to suppose, that any of his decrees shall not take effect, Hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Num. xxiii. 19. His counsel shall stand, and he will do all his pleasure, Isa. xlvi. 10. This is a necessary consequence, from the immutability of his will, as well as from the end which he has designed to attain, to wit, the advancement of his own glory; and therefore, if he should not execute his decrees, he would lose that revenue of glory, which he designed to bring to himself thereby, which it cannot be supposed that he would do; and accordingly we are to consider his power as exerted, in order to the accomplishment of his purpose. This is said to have been done either in the first production of all things, which is called, The work of creation, or in his upholding and governing all things, VOL. II. B |