Chap. XXIII - Of Temperance in GOD

Summary

Of Temperance in GOD. How the Moderation of Almighty Power guided in its works by Wisdom its Works by Wisdom, perfecteth the Creation. How it hath raised his own Glory and our Felicity beyond all that Simple Power could effect by its Infiniteness.

IF Moderation hath such happy effects in Men, where the Strength is small, the Wisdom little, the Matter base, the Occasion low, as in divers Instances it is manifest it hath: how glorious must this Vertue be, where the Power is Almighty, the Wisdom Infinite, the Subject-Matter Perfect, the End, and the Occasion most Divine and Glorious!

IT would seem a strange Paradox, to say, That Almighty Power could not exist without Infinite Wisdom: but it is infinitely true: For the Wisdom and Power of GOD are one. No Blind Power can be Almighty, because it cannot do all that is Excellent. That Power would without Wisdom be Blind, is as evident as the Sun, the want of that being as great an impediment to its Operations, as the lack of Eyes is to a Man upon Earth: which so Eclipseth and darkneth his Power, that he cannot perform those excellent Works, to which Light is necessary. There is no Blind Power in GOD, and therefore no Power distinct from his Understanding. By his Wisdom he made the Heavens, by his Understanding he established the Earth. By his Knowledge the Depths are broken up, and the Clouds drop down the Dew. Wisdom is the Tree of Life, which beareth all the fruits of Immortality and Honour. Inartificial Violence will never carry it: There is a Mark to he hit; and that is in every thing what is most fair and eligible. It may be miss’d as much by shooting over it, as by falling short of it. Naked Power cannot tell what to propose as its Aim and Object. Only that which is able to contrive, is able to effect its Desire, in the Work it conceiveth most fit and excellent for its Power to perform.

IT is a stranger Paradox yet, That Power limited is Greater and more Effectual, than Power let loose; for this importeth, that Power is more infinite when bounded, than Power in its utmost liberty.